• Landscaping in Lake Country with Indigenous Plants
• Joan Eaglesham, Muskoka Heritage Foundation
• Getting In The Zone
• Camp Kitchen Restoration Complete

Landscaping in Lake Country with Indigenous Plants

Over 150 years of experience on this crew

Since my family moved to Muskoka in 1960 I have seen many changes take place. These were perhaps more of changing attitudes and direction than of physical differences. Thirty years ago, cottages were cottages and the small towns and hamlets reflected the Muskoka lifestyle. Suddenly, an urban influence reached our granite oasis. Being involved in the landscape trade for the past sixteen years, I noticed the changes were particularly apparent on the lakes. Cottages became summer residences and most were beautifully designed and constructed. As property became more valuable, more difficult sites with poor access or steep grades began to be developed. These steep sites suddenly required terracing or retaining of existing slopes. Larger cottages began to have tennis courts, larger bunkies, bigger septics, more parking and better driveways. Through each phase of construction, more and more of the reason people wanted to be here in the first place was lost. Sensitive native plants that had somehow managed to establish themselves were considered expendable. After the dust settled, the areas disturbed by construction had to be landscaped. Often this was done with an urban style using turfgrass, ornamental shrubs and trees indigenous to the city. Quite frankly, it may have been a matter of economics; however, there was a strong feeling emerging that the unique character of Muskoka must be protected.

There are many ways we can achieve this as individuals. Identify the special features of your property. Work with them, not against them. Educate yourself as to the types of plants growing around you and get a feel for the unique eco-system of which you are a part. You will find yourself amazed at how incredibly diverse this area is.

If you are building from scratch, careful placement of buildings with regard to grade will determine the need to bring in or remove material. A common mistake is trying to disperse excess rock from blasting or subsoil from excavating, and in the process covering native forest floor plants or burying sensitive roots of trees. When planning placements of utilities such as septic, water, hydro and driveways, consider the plant populations before construction.

Valuable plants can be moved to another area, potted or "hilled-in" to be replanted later. Try to match your final landscape to fit the surroundings by using similar varieties of trees and native shrubs. Remember, we are just guests here.

If you would like to beautify your existing landscape to a natural style, there are a few don'ts. Put away the "weed eater". Go out in the canoe instead. What you may consider "scrub" or undergrowth is most likely a combination of young trees mixed with understorey shrubs and herbaceous plants. Understorey shrubs are semi-shade or shade loving plants that grow under the tree canopy or on the fringe of the canopy. This underrated group of native plants is often brutalized, being removed by an over-zealous chainsaw wielding relative who thinks he is doing you a favour by creating a new park. There is nothing wrong with thoughtful thinning to allow some air movement or to enhance a view. Just think it through or get some professional advice.

If you have a stream, pond or marsh area, use it to your advantage by planting material that prefers this location. Wet areas act as natural water filters for run-off and support some of our most interesting and rare plants and aquatic life. It is a great location to re-establish and collect water loving plants.

Then there is the beautiful union of water, forest and rock. The foresight of many to build well back of the shoreline is enjoyed by everyone. Often, however, people want a "view" out on to the lake despite the obvious loss of privacy. Unnecessary removal existing trees and shrubs near the water is especially unwise. Shoreline plants hold soil and small rocks in place with their roots preventing erosion. Many provide food for birds, animals and aquatic life. The Ministry of Natural Resources has not recommended closing of shoreline allowances to help protect this important ribbon of life.

To help re-establish the vegetation along the shoreline, many native species of plants are available. Sweet Gale, Steeplebush, and Winterberry can be planted with Red Maple, Cedar and Birch along the water's edge. Perennials such as Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag, Meadow Rue and Turtlehead can be started from collected seed and planted in small pockets of soil among the rocks. Don't be afraid to close in large areas around buildings with trees and shrubs planted in loose fitting groups.

But what about the view? Choose an area on your deck to peek through or have a carefully placed bench in the woods. Lose the attitude that you have to see all the lake from every window or square inch of deck. You may find peering through the foliage gives the view perspective and is far more interesting.
If you decide that you must cut a view or require more light, have a professional arborist guide you. Avoid limbing trees up to head height just for the sake of it. This destroys the natural shape of many trees. Careful removal of only a few limbs can do the same job.

So, for our collective sakes: think twice, be interested and enjoy.

Robert G. Allen ,1995

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Northway Gardeners Ltd.
Muskoka, Ontario