Rare Opportunity for Local Stewards

August 11, 2010

Super Elite Task Force: Operation Port Coquitlam (Photo: Evergreen)

Last Thursday, a super elite team of Evergreen’s stewardship volunteers put in some of their evening time to help a federally red-listed species in Port Coquitlam – streambank lupine (Lupinis rivularis).

“This is the most work anyone has done for the plant,” said a thankful Species at Risk Recovery Team member, Dawn Hanna. Volunteers worked slowly and deliberately on the urban site, careful not to step on or disturb the lupines, of which there are only 300 known individuals in Canada.  Hopefully, by protecting this and other populations, that number will increase in years to come.

This is the first of three work parties to protect rare populations of streambank lupine this summer (there are only 8 known locations in Canada – all of which are found in the Lower Mainland)

For more information or to get involved in the project, contact Laura Smit, Stewardship Co-ordinator at lsmit@evergreen.ca or 604-689-0776

Comments Off | In the Field, Issues, Native Species, Stewardship and Planting, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Laura from Common Grounds Vancouver

Be a Certified Seed Collector

July 22, 2010

Protect biodiversity by collecting seeds. (Photo: Evergreen)

Save your spot in our Seed Collecting Certification workshop on August 26 and 27.  For more information, visit Evergreen’s online event calendar or download our flyer.

Johnny Appleseed, American folk legend, may have had the right idea in collecting and planting apple seeds all across the landscape.  Today, certified seed collectors assist in tracking seed availability for future planting use. Information about seed availability, location, type and quantity enables these trained individuals  to collect and store seed and helps ensure that the appropriate stock is available to meet long term demands. Whether plants are for community restoration, outdoor classrooms or you own native plant backyard oasis, using plants sourced from certified seed grown in a local nursery is a great start to any project.

1 Comment | Events, Gardening, Green Tips, In the Field, Issues, Native Species, Stewardship and Planting, Toronto | Permalink
Posted by Kim from Common Grounds

New England Aster: a Native Plant We Love

June 30, 2010

Pretty purple flowers of the New England Aster. (Photo: Copyright Freyja Forsyth USDA @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

This perennial native grows clusters of flowers ranging from pink to deep purple in colour with centres of vibrant yellow. Growing up to 3 feet, Symphyotrichum novae angliae (formerly Aster novae angliae) can be found across Canada from New Brunswick on the east coast, westward through Saskatchewan. Blooming August through October New England Aster makes a beautiful late summer addition to your garden.

Are you in the GTA? Find this native plant along with veggies, trees, supplies and sustainable urban garden solutions at Evergreen Gardens.  (New England Asters are $3.99 for a 10 cm plant.)

Comments Off | Native Species | Permalink
Posted by Jenn from Communications

Large Leaf Lupine: a (Bee-Friendly) Native Plant We Love

June 21, 2010

Purple Blooms of a large leaf lupine. (Photo: Copyright (c) by Gary A. Monroe. USDA @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Happy International Pollinator Week!

Introducing a native plant that is also friendly to birds and bees. Lupinus polyphyllus, as it’s scientifically known, is a wildflower native to much of Canada, excluding the prairies and territories. Lupine flowers bloom in brilliant blues, purples, and pinks in long dense clusters along the plant’s stem. They can be spotted in moist and open habitats from June to September and attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a great choice for your bird and butterfly gardens.

Are you in or around Toronto? Join Evergreen for the Pollinator Festival at Evergreen Brick Works this Sunday.

Learn more about the large leaf lupine and other native wildflowers from Evergreen’s Native Plant Database.

Comments Off | Gardening, Green Tips, Native Species, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Native Plant Profile: New Jersey Tea

May 31, 2010

New Jersey Tea flowers (Photo: ©Jim Stasz. United States, MD, USDA @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Also known as red root, Ceanothus americanus is a drought-tolerant shrub native to Ontario and Quebec, that can grow on rocky bluffs, woodland edges, savannah and even on urban rooftops.

Attractive to birds and butterflies with creamy white flowers in spring, it makes an excellent tea. It has been used medicinally and to produce dyes. What more could you ask for in a plant?

Learn more about New Jersey tea and other native shrubs in Evergreen’s Native Plant Database.

Hey Toronto! Find this plant at Evergreen Gardens, our new, mission-driven retail garden center at Evergreen Brick Works.

Comments Off | Gardening, Green Tips, Native Species, Stewardship and Planting | Permalink
Posted by Christine from Volunteering

Native Plant Profile:Trembling Aspen

May 10, 2010

Leaves of a trembling aspen. (Photo: ©J.S. Peterson. USDA @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

This fast-growing member of the willow family, Populus tremuloides, is a pioneer species, often used in the first phase of restoration projects.  Tolerant of a wide range of soil and moisture conditions and found in every province and territory of Canada, it appears to be trembling or quaking when the wind blows, hence it’s name.  Growing 12 to 25 m high, this native tree attracts insects, birds and browsing wildlife. It sends up suckers from spreading roots, producing groups of genetically identical trees that can include thousands of trees covering areas up to 80 ha. Because of this some consider it the world’s largest living organism.

Learn more about trembling aspen and other native trees in Evergreen’s Native Plant Database.

1 Comment | Gardening, Native Species | Permalink
Posted by Erin from Communications

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