Are you frustrated with constantly struggling with having to deal with your high maintenance garden? Interestingly, a vast majority of Calgary homeowners unwittingly end up growing plants that are not indigenous to our region and which demand lots of attention and still do not grow well in our region. Worse the effect of such plants is that they alter the ecosystem in the region through affecting wildlife and soil quality.
The solution? Native plants. Not only do these robust, native species make your gardening a lot easier but also they are beneficial to all local fauna. Please read on to learn how you can make your Calgary backyard environmentally friendly through selection of native plants.
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Why Native Plants are Perfect for Calgary
Native plants are These are plants that have evolved to grow in certain areas for several years. In Calgary, this refers to the plants that grow in our type of soil, withstand winter temperatures and require little water. Unlike decorative foreign species, these plants coexist with our native fauna, providing the bees, birds and other small mammals with food and shelter.
The Benefits of Native Plants
1. Support Calgary’s Wildlife
Many native plants support an array of animal species, such as pollinators such as bees and butterflies supporting our region’s ecosystems. Forage plants include shrubs and the saskatoon berry for both food and cover and nuts and seeds of shrubs and herbaceous perennials such as blue grama that provide nest materials for small mammals.
2. Save Water
It’s critical to conserve water in Calgary, which experiences dry spells. Wild Bergamot or Prairie Crocus are native plants, that are naturally drought tolerant and need much less water than ornamental ones. Once established it survives on rainfall alone.
3. Reduce Maintenance
And Calgary’s native plants are tough. They’ve built defenses against local pests and disease, which means you’ll need to apply fewer pesticides and fertilizers. Secondly, their deep root systems take away the constant need to bother and the need to control soil erosion.
4. Improve Soil Health
Anchoring soil with lots of root systems, native plants help reduce erosion and increase soil fertility. This provides a great base for a healthy, healthy garden.
How to Choose the Best Native Plants Shrubs and Trees for Calgary
Transforming your yard starts with understanding the specific needs of our local ecosystem. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Learn About Calgary’s Ecosystem
Explore resources like the Alberta Native Plant Council or visit local botanical gardens to discover the best species for Calgary. Common options include yarrow, blanket flower, and aspen trees.
Here are some native plants for Calgary that are well-suited for local gardens:
- Northern Sweetvetch
- Showy Milkweed
- Gumweed
- Purple Prairie Clover
- Yarrow
- Blue Flax
- Smooth Aster
- Canada Goldenrod
- Prairie Coneflower
These plants support pollinators and thrive in Calgary’s environment. More information can be found on the City of Calgary’s Native Wildflowers page.
Here is a list of trees Native to Calgary
- Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
- Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
- Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
- Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
- American Elm (Ulmus americana)
You can explore the full details on the Calgary website.
2. Consider Plant Functions
Every plant has a purpose. Goldenrod encourages pollinators, and red osier dogwood is provide shelter for birds. However, choosing different types will result in balanced and also vibrant ecosystem.
3. Plan for Year-Round Interest
Pick plants that bloom at different times of the year to keep the wildlife fed all year round. Prairie crocus are early bloomers, which provide food for pollinators in spring, and shrubs with berries feed birds during winter.
Practical Tips for a Native Plant Garden
Creating a sustainable garden with native plants doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are some tips tailored to Calgary’s conditions:
1. Prepare the Soil
Native plants thrive in Calgary’s natural soil but may struggle in compacted areas. Aerate the soil and remove any invasive weeds before planting to give your native garden the best start.
2. Water Wisely
While native plants are drought-resistant, they need a little help during their first growing season. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
3. Use Companion Planting
Layering plants of different heights, such as combining groundcover like wild strawberry with taller shrubs like chokecherry, creates a balanced ecosystem that reduces weeding and supports more wildlife.
4. Remove Invasive Species
Invasive plants like creeping bellflower or common tansy can overrun native species. Replace these with Calgary-friendly options to maintain balance and biodiversity.
Create a Wildlife Haven in Your Calgary Backyard
When you plant native plants into your Calgary landscape, you can have a low maintenance garden. Not only will your yard be in to look s wow all year long, but it will help with local wildlife and the overall health of the environment.
At Be Green Lawn Care, we’re here to help you create a garden that’s as eco-friendly as it is beautiful. From soil preparation to sustainable planting advice, we’re your partners in building a greener Calgary.
Ready to transform your yard? Contact us today to get started on your native plant garden!
Citations
- Top tree species for Calgary. (n.d.). https://www.calgary.ca
- Native wildflowers. (n.d.). https://www.calgary.ca
