Water-Wise Gardens

Introduction | Planning and Design | Planting a New Garden
Soil Conditioning | Watering Requirements
Limiting Grassy Areas | Fertilizers
Pesticides and Herbicides | Plant Selection
Gardening with Native Plants

Gardening with Native Plants

Native plants are flowers, trees and shrubs that grew in Ontario before humans settled here. They are beneficial because they:

• Attract wildlife such as butterflies and birds
• Reduce the amount of water needed in the garden
• Tolerate drought
• Are easily maintained
• Resist pests and disease

When planting trees, shrubs or flowers in your garden, why not consider a native species? By planting native species, we enhance the existing native flora. This will increase available habitat for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

Native species of trees, shrubs and flowers have adapted to the various climatic conditions of Ontario. Therefore, they are better able to withstand conditions such as drought, disease, and insects, as well as the harsh Canadian temperatures.

Note

• Many native plants do not grow large in the first year as they are establishing roots.
• Do not take plants from the wild or purchase plants taken from the wild.
• Many native plants are better adapted to nutrient- poor soils.
• Water deeply but not too often to establish roots.

List of Native Trees, Shrubs, Flowers (PDF 30 KB, 3 pages)