Have you visited GreenUP Ecology Park yet this season? This time of year, Ecology Park is springing alive with a host of display gardens and naturalized areas, a native plant nursery, children’s programs, the garden market, skill-building workshops, and hands-on displays.
GreenUP Ecology Park is an award winning, five-acre showcase of sustainable landscape ideas and resources. It is located in Peterborough’s East City at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, next to Beavermead Park, and has everything you need to be a good steward of the land in your care.
If you are looking for an ecological adventure for the whole family this long weekend, then you will want to visit Ecology Park this Sunday, May 21st from noon to 4 p.m. for the Annual Ecology Park Plant Sale.
This is GreenUP’s biggest sale of the year and the official opening of the GreenUP Ecology Park’s Garden Market. The Garden Market carries quality veggies, seedlings, and a large variety of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, which thrive in our region of Ontario. Planting native and locally adapted species in our gardens restores health and diversity to outdoor spaces.
In the Peterborough area, we are fortunate to have a unique variety of native plants to choose from. Did you know that this region has historically contained woodland, wetland, and prairie ecosystems? Of course, not all native plants will survive in all areas of Peterborough County. Some are suited to wet areas, woodlands, clay soils, or sandy sites.
Peterborough is situated near the edge of the Canadian Shield, which is an area that has been scoured by glaciation, with thin acidic soils underlain with a granite base. The more southern areas of Peterborough County are very different with deeper, alkaline soils underlain with limestone. Becoming familiar with your backyard soil types, and the native plants that thrive there is an enjoyable and satisfying way to build health and vitality in your yard, and to attract wildlife.
Many native and wild plants are not only beautiful; they are also an important part of the ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Native plants foster a balanced ecosystem providing food and shelter for local birds and butterflies that depend on wild plants for survival.
Attracting wildlife also means that you are bringing important natural services to your garden. Birds and toads are natural predators who help to control pests like slugs and grubs, while butterflies and bees pollinate flowers and veggies, and also improve enjoyment and beauty in your yard.
Ecology Park carries a huge selection of native and locally adapted plants, many from locally collected seed. View our catalogue of species online at greenup.on.ca for a list of prices and descriptions of species that are available throughout the Garden Market season.
The GreenUP Ecology Park Plant Sale will also have native and edible trees and shrubs for sale, as well as bulk leaf compost, cedar mulch, straw bales, wood chips, and more. Remember to bring your own containers for leaf compost and cedar mulch. The bulk sales are self-loading, with a 20 bucket limit per person per visit.
The sale will feature many annuals and veggies grown by Thomas A Stewart Secondary School’s horticulture program. All tree purchases over $100 will receive a free water bag, as supported by Peterborough Utilities Group.
This year, you can also attend the free workshop, Rain Gardening 101 with GreenUP Water Programs Manager, Heather Ray. This 20-minute workshop will be offered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Visitors can also learn about GreenUP Ecology Park’s five-year revitalization fundraising plan while children enjoy the cedar maze and the Children’s Garden, which will be set up with puppets, animal costumes, games, and interactive displays.
Visit with the Peterborough Pollinators and register your garden for the 150 pollinator garden challenge. Bring a picnic and explore the park, or enjoy a delicious wood-fired C’est Chaud Pizza for lunch while you’re there.
Parking for GreenUP Ecology Park is available at the Beavermead Park parking lot via Marsdale Drive. After the Plant Sale, The Ecology Park Garden Market will be open each week on Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until October 26th. For more information about GreenUP Ecology Park, The Garden Market, and the Annual Plant Sale, visit greenup.on.ca.
