A new native garden has just completed Phase One, the installation of its northern portion. The garden is located in front of J wing by the roundabout at the Trafalgar campus. When you visit this freshly-sodded site, you can see 11 young native trees and a semi-circular armour stone seating area with a crushed stone walking area. Phase Two, the southern portion of the site, includes the installation of a medicine wheel garden featuring a circular shape with native pollinator perennials planted in four quadrants.
The garden is part of the Office for Sustainability’s efforts to promote biodiversity, support wildlife and increase greenspace on campus. The inception of installing a native garden followed the removal of invasive buckthorn from the site last fall. The Office for Sustainability would like to thank all those members of our community who had submitted ideas on designing the native garden. In particular, the medicine wheel design came from Sheridan’s Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support. The medicine wheel symbolizes the circle of life and the four directions. When completed, the garden offers both our indigenous students as well as Sheridan’s wider community a sacred place for reflection and celebration.
About 98% of the plants being used in this garden are native to Southern Ontario. Native plants are better adapted to the local natural environment and climate than non-natives one and they generally need less water. The high diversity of plant species will increase the resilience of the garden in dealing with climate change and prevent invasive species such as buckthorn from returning to the site.
Native trees, shrubs and perennials in urban areas are vital for supporting insects and many of which are their pollinators. These plants and insects are at the base of the food chain. The native plants are also the habitats for other species.
The Office of Sustainability (OfS) would like to thank TD Friends of the Environment Fund for supporting this planting project as well as The Trees and Bees Talks Series being offered on campus this fall. OfS would also like to thank Oakville Green Conservation Association and Ontario Invasive Plant Council for sharing their expertise.
The planning for Phase Two will continue into the new year. Volunteers will be invited to join us on planting days. Please stay tuned!
