Muskoka's Native Plants

Spring is here - and so is the Muskoka Heritage Foundation Annual Native Tree & Shrub Sale!

Wild Columbine Aquilegia canadensis

This flowering plant is drought tolerant and likes sand or loam soil types with partial or full sun- and it's so pretty! It attracts birds, hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies which makes it useful in the oh-so-important pollination.

Staghorn sumach Rhus typhina

Spectacular red, edible, and showy seeds on this shrub. It likes clay, sand, and loam soils, partial or full sun, and normal to dry moisture.

Butterfly weed Asclespias tuberosa This red/orange flowering plant attracts pollinators and is also drought resistant.

Bear berry Artostaphylos uva-ursi This native ground cover is suitable for your shoreline restoration projects, in the riparian area. it is drought and salt resistant. It also attracts pollinators and adds a splash of colour to your garden!

I wrote last spring about why native plants are important for your gardening projects. Who can resist a garden that is colourful, disease and pest resistant, low maintenance, and provide habitat for wildlife? It just makes good sense!

WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING YOUR GARDEN THIS SPRING:

• Duplicate natural growing conditions


• Consider soil type, moisture, sunlight, wind


• Take clues from what is already growing

WANT TO KNOW MORE?:

• More tips on starting your own native plant garden


• Tips for choosing native species: wildflowers, trees, & shrubs


• Not sure if it's a native species? check the native plant database


• Problems with deer? Check out these deer resistant gardening techniques


• Need planting tips? Check out this information sheet

ORDER PLANTS:

• Orders must be placed by May 9th (email form or call in)


• Pick up your order in Huntsville, Bracebridge, or Bala on May 14, 2011


• Special workshops and information available at Bracebridge location

Happy Gardening!