Garden design builds on what is already growing
By Robert G. Allen

GOING NATIVE. The trends involved in gardening at the cottage are something that has changed over the decades. Long gone are the desires for full lawns that run down to the lake. The increased use of native plants is an obvious example of these changes.

Since being trained in landscape design and construction at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture in the mid-seventies, I have noticed attitudes, methods and design approaches related to landscapes change dramatically. The increased use of native plants is an obvious example of these changes. But there is a fundamental element that seems to have been overlooked. No matter how big or small your planting is, it’s important to realize it is an eco-system.

In the seventies we were taught any type of landscape could be used for any project. Now, more thought is given to enhancing the particular mini eco-system you already have. Just by observing the plant communities in the natural environment, you can learn how to build your unique landscape.

Is your site dry and rocky or shady and moist? Is the terrain steep and difficult? With the shallow soils of Muskoka any plants that have established themselves should be viewed as assets.

While traveling around Muskoka, make a mental note of what plants grow where and with what, particularly the anchor plants, trees, large shrubs and smaller “understory” woody plants. Continuity with the native surrounding gives the landscape a flow and property lines disappear. Build on what you already have. Identify plants that like to grow in colonies rather than a single plant.

Sumac is a good example. These types of plants suit an area where there is room for the colony to expand. If you have a dry rocky spot, they fit the bill. Using smaller plants makes it easy to find a little pocket for planting. This could be on any scale, five or 50 plants depending on the situation. Younger plants are more vigorous and establish more readily. They catch up to their older siblings within a few seasons.

When my company is working on a project we tend to work on the “fringe” areas first by applying these principles. As you work closer to your living space, the opportunity to use non-native species may arise, especially as specimen and foundation plants around your home or cottage. Good old-fashioned lilacs, shrub roses, hydrangea, junipers and yew all have a place in our landscape if you like that “farmhouse” feeling. I think the mix is about 50/50 around my house. I’ve got an old split rail fence at the roadside, and growing alongside it is a small collection of shrub roses, a few honeysuckle plants, cedars, Amur maple, basswood and balsam. Half the native plants were already there and with the addition of an informal planting of non-native species, it looks quite natural. The keys on the Amur maple are an amazing light green-pink in early summer and the roses bloom on and off all year. There is no reason to think you can’t plant ornamentals with your natives, especially in areas you frequent.

Muskoka Heritage Foundation

Many of our native shrubs such as viburnums, serviceberries and hawthorns have wonderful form when allowed to grow to maturity in fringe areas. Many grow 10 to 15 feet, making them wonderful for screen planting when mixed with evergreens such as white cedar, pine, hemlock and balsam. A good majority of deciduous “natives” have great blooms and produce edible fruit allowing wildlife to thrive in this plant mixture.

A wide variety of species will be available at the Muskoka Heritage Foundation Native Plant sale this spring. The Foundation’s mandate is to protect, conserve and nurture Muskoka’s natural and cultural heritage. On April 1, the 2009 on-line order form will be available on the website at www.muskokaheritage.org. Orders will be accepted until May 6 and pick up will occur on May 9 at the Ministry of Natural Resources yard on High Falls Road.

Rob Allen is a graduate of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and has owned, operated and designed landscapes for Northway Gardeners Ltd. since 1979. He has been a member and volunteer with the Muskoka Heritage Foundation’s Natural Heritage Committee where he has directed numerous shoreline restorations and native tree and shrub sales. He has also been a public speaker on horticultural topics since 1979. Rob can be contacted at www.northwaygardeners.com.

THE MUSKOKAN, Spring Shows, 2009

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Muskoka, Ontario