Have you recently moved to King Township, perhaps into one of the new subdivisions in one of our villages? If so, congratulations on choosing our rural way of life!
As you look out the front and back windows of your new dream home, what do you see? Is it a few metres of freshly laid sod put down by your builder? Is it an expanse of pale brown, lifeless dirt that has had all the topsoil, living organisms and plant nutrients ground and compacted out of it?
The purpose of this article is to give you some tools and information that will help you to add to the beauty of your new home and contribute positively to our Sustainable King!
One of the first things you might consider is the installation of an automatic watering system. Please do not do this! This would be one of the worst things that can be done in subdivisions. Think of all the wasted water and unnecessary expense! Look at the trees and shrubs that your builder has planted. They do not have irrigation systems – your garden does not need one either.
Another great way to be responsible with our precious water resources is to use rain barrels on each of your downspouts. Then you will have a ready source of clean water right in the garden. If you have sod installed, please water it by hand or by carefully placed sprinkler. A few deep waterings a week is much better than frequent shallow watering.
But do you really even want a lawn like everyone else on the street? What about planting a native garden in both your front and back yards? Once established they would require very little maintenance. Your subdivision used to be rolling countryside full of wildlife. If you plant native trees, shrubs, plants and grasses then you can bring back some of the birds and maybe even butterflies.
There are plenty of people and organizations that can help you to consider your options and the best choices for your home and lifestyle.
Did you know that vibrant horticultural societies meet monthly in both Schomberg and Nobleton and King City? Both of them have qualified master gardeners eager to help, monthly speakers on a wide range of home gardening subjects, competitive flower shows and garden tours in the area at the end of June and early July respectively. For more information in Schomberg, call Carol at 905-833-3324 and for Nobleton/King City email Deb at fireflies52@hotmail.ca.
You can receive free landscape advice from the staff at York Region. Just call 1-888-967-5426 or register on-line, www.waterfortomorrow.com. Trained advisors will come to your home and perform a personalized garden and lawn assessment that will help you to reduce your water use while creating a beautiful lawn and garden. Take advantage of the free Water Efficiency Kit, too.
A not-for-profit organization called LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) has a special program for residents of King Township. For very reasonable prices LEAF sells Native Garden Kits for shade, songbirds and butterflies and will provide 3-to-8-foot-tall native trees along with planting instructions and care advice. Request a consultation by reading through the “Four Easy Steps to a New Tree” at www.yourleaf.org or calling 416-413-9244. In fact, come to the Nobleton/King City Horticultural meeting at 7:45 p.m. on May 28 as the guest speaker is one of the staff from LEAF!
Have you browsed the King Township web site lately? Keep a lookout for more info and links to many sources. www.king.ca.
Both the Lake Simcoe and Toronto Regional Conservation Authorities provide planting advice. Large landowners (2 acres+) can become planting partners in reforestation projects at very reasonable rates. TRCA Customer Service Phone: 416-667-6295; e-mail: customerservice@trca.on.ca. Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Phone 905-895-1281 or 1-800- 465-0437.
If you would rather have someone else do all the work and planning, there are many reputable nurseries and landscaping businesses in and around King Township. Unlike the big box stores these businesses have knowledgeable staff and do carry a variety of native plants. Remember that we are in a different gardening zone than Toronto, so what worked there will probably not do well here in King. Consider buying locally.
I hope that this article has shown you that you have many choices beyond just a patch of lawn. Talk to your King neighbours. Visit some established gardens, come to a horticultural meeting and welcome to gardening in King.
Susan Beharriell is on the board of the Nobleton/King City Horticultural Society, chair of KEAC, worked on the Sustainability Plan, has a native garden, geo-thermal heating and was one of the first 30 folks in Ontario to have a contract with the government for a Micro-FIT solar power system.
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