The Model Backyard Wildlife Garden

The Fletcher Wildlife Garden is a project being developed on 16 acres in the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Within the main area, a Model Backyard Garden has been designed to display both nursery grown and native plant materials with an emphasis on low maintenance. This garden has been carefully planned to also serve as a food source and shelter for birds, butterflies and small mammals.

The garden will contain both wildflowers and cultivated perennials along with native shrubs and trees. A two tier pond system, a rockery, and one of the loveliest locations at the Experimental Farm will make a visit to the Garden a very pleasant stop. A closer look will make one realize this garden has a different emphasis. Bird nesting boxes along with a large bird feeder will house and feed our fine feathered friends. However, as the garden matures we hope they will earn their keep! Attracted by the berries, nectar and shelter of the plantings, the birds will keep the insect population in check, thereby minimizing the need to use chemicals.

At one end of the model garden is a building presently being renovated for use as an Interpretive Centre. Behind it you will see several flat boxes with no apparent openings. They will house bats that will also help to keep the insect population under control. Another feature that has been included is a new experimental sod which requires less maintenance. It is a coarser grass that is less likely to show signs of wear. It can be left longer between cuttings, is more resistant to weeds and requires less watering.

This garden is being built with the generous donations of materials, time and labour by the members of the Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario. Affiliated horticulture students of Algonquin and Kemptville Colleges have also given invaluable help with construction and plant materials. Our dedicated team of volunteers now look after the ongoing maintenance of the garden.

You can become a sponsor of one square foot of the Model Wildlife Garden for five dollars - and get an impressive certificate of recognition. For ten dollars or more you will also get a tax receipt.

By November 1994, 90% of the construction in the Model Backyard Garden has been completed. Some trees are yet to be planted and more perennials will be added when they become available.

Visitors to the Interpretive Centre will learn more about the Garden itself and about the many interesting and beneficial aspects of wildlife gardening.

Eileen C. Chivers is a professional Landscape Designer, a Member of Landscape Ontario and Chair of "The Model Backyard Wildlife Garden."

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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