Going natural in the garden

As gardening grows in popularity, so does the interest in reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and attracting wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Natural garden and lawn care practices reduce the amounts of chemicals that drain into our rivers and lakes and minimize the exposure of harmful chemicals.

There are many advantages of planting native species. They adapt to the diverse weather and soil conditions and can resist pests and diseases, as well as reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. They also provide excellent habitat for wildlife, increase biodiversity and are better able to survive periods of drought.

As well as helping to maintain regional diversity and identity, native plants require little maintenance, can teach people about natural processes and connect us with our natural history.

Trees and shrubs from local nurseries are sold several ways: with bare roots, in pots or with roots wrapped in burlap. Bare rootstock is generally the least expensive way to buy plants, but these may have a poorer chance of surviving the initial planting.

Bare root stock care:

• Ensure roots stay moist until planting.

• If roots are allowed to dry out, soak in water for several hours before planting.

• If you’re not planting for a few days, “heel in” the tree: place it in a shallow trench, cover with soil and water well.

• Dig the hole to the correct depth and wide enough so roots are not cramped.

• Prune any broken roots, then spread the roots to their natural position in the hole.

Potted sapling care:

• Remove the plant from the pot and check for any roots that encircle the root mass (due to constriction of the pot).

• Prune these roots so they do not hinder future root growth.

• Disturb the soil around the roots and spread them out as much as possible; then place the sapling in the hole.

Burlap-wrapped tree care:

• Loosen the top of the sacking away from the trunk and place the tree in the hole.

• Be sure to remove any plastic wrapping or synthetic cord that may girdle the tree as it grows.

Once the tree is in the hole, fill the bottom three-quarters of the hole with soil. Water well and then tamp down firmly. Mixing bone meal (or slow-release fertilizer) in with the soil will help the tree during the difficult early stages of establishing itself. The top one-quarter should be loosely filled with soil. A layer of mulch spread around the base of the tree will help prevent undue water loss and competing herbaceous plants from establishing. If necessary, the tree should be watered around the base weekly.

If the newly planted tree has a well-developed canopy, it may need to be pruned back so the reduced root system can support it. Prune about one-third of the branches back to the trunk while not upsetting the balance and shape of the tree.

If the tree is in an exposed situation, it may be damaged by the wind. Use guy ropes to tie the tree to a post or to stakes in the ground.

If the tree is in a meadow area where faster-growing vegetation might crowd it or shade it out, regularly cut a two-foot radius around the sapling.

If other young trees in the area have been vulnerable to attack by gnawing animals, wrap the trunk in cloth or plastic to at least two feet above the average winter snow line.

The Muskoka Heritage Foundation helps gardeners enhance their gardens with native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ground cover by providing information and holding its annual Native Tree and Shrub Sale every spring. In 2005-2006, the foundation co-ordinated a renaturalization project in Bracebridge Bay. Last summer, it undertook a similar project at Camp Kitchen Park in Huntsville.

For more information about the Muskoka Heritage Foundation or on specific native plants, call 705-645-7393 or visit www.muskokaheritage.org.

Muskoka’s native species list

Plants to look out for that will keep Muskoka natural include:

red oak
staghorn sumac
white oak
highbush cranberry
black walnut
serviceberry
white birch
red-osier dogwood
white pine
silky dogwood
red pine
wild rose
white spruce
sweet gale
black spruce
white cedar
bearberry
tamarack
bunchberry
hemlock
foamflower