Created and maintained by volunteers from the Civic Hospital neighbourhood
After the spring tulips fade, plants native to Eastern Ontario dominate the garden in the northeast part of Princess Margriet Park (formerly Fairmont Park). This garden was created to show off the beauty of easy-to-grow native plants. They’re also the kind of plants that attract birds and pollinators.
Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region. They are well adapted to the local climate and will provide a natural habitat for many species of animals and birds. Because of patches of native plants, like this one in Princess Margriet Park, you can expect to see more wildlife in the park. Be on the lookout for birds, insects, and maybe small mammals that will find food, protection, and nesting sites here.
Non-native species, on the other hand, can be invasive and may alter the ecosystem of an area. They are known to crowd out native plants. And local animals, unfamiliar with the foreign plants, don’t recognize these plants for food or shelter.