Restoring And Enhancing Your Property’s Natural Beauty
Gardening and re-naturalization activities focus on restoring native ecosystems, protecting the "ribbon of life" along shorelines, and creating low-maintenance, biodiverse landscapes that thrive in Zone 4b. Re-naturalization is highly encouraged to protect lake water quality from runoff and to support wildlife by replacing lawns with native trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
Watersheds Canada describes the "ribbon of life" as the natural shield protecting our freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. It is what mitigates erosion, protects the beauty and property values of waterfront properties, and is a haven for wildlife. It is also key to increasing resilience to climate change impacts.
Watersheds Canada describes the "ribbon of life" as the natural shield protecting our freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. It is what mitigates erosion, protects the beauty and property values of waterfront properties, and is a haven for wildlife. It is also key to increasing resilience to climate change impacts.
Beyond planting native species, how we garden matters just as much. Gardening and re-naturalization should avoid practices that harm ecosystems at their source. For example, peat moss - commonly used in gardening - comes from drained peatlands, which are vital carbon sinks and habitats. Harvesting peat releases stored carbon and destroys ecosystems that take centuries to regenerate. Choosing peat-free soil and compost alternatives is a simple but impactful step toward climate-friendly gardening (source: Reasons Not to Garden With Peat Moss).
Restoring the "ribbon of life" means creating layered, natural habitats that provide food, water, shelter, and nesting space year-round. Incorporating native plants, leaving seed heads standing through winter, minimizing lawn space, and avoiding pesticides all contribute to healthier ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Growing native plants from seed is another powerful and cost-effective way to support re-naturalization. Many native species benefit from natural processes like cold stratification (exposure to winter conditions) to germinate successfully. Starting plants from seed not only reduces costs but also increases plant diversity and resilience, helping to restore landscapes in a way that closely mimics natural regeneration.
Growing native plants from seed is another powerful and cost-effective way to support re-naturalization. Many native species benefit from natural processes like cold stratification (exposure to winter conditions) to germinate successfully. Starting plants from seed not only reduces costs but also increases plant diversity and resilience, helping to restore landscapes in a way that closely mimics natural regeneration.
KEY RE-NATURALIZATION INITIATIVES
- The Natural Edge Program: This program provides waterfront property owners with free site visits, customized planting plans, and :Shoreline Re-naturalization Starter Kits" that include 50 native plants, hemp fibre mats to suppress grass, and mulch.
- Muskoka Conservancy Native Plant Program: Focuses on restoring native plant diversity to support local wildlife, offering advice on preserving natural landscapes and adding native species to shorelines.
- The Land Between Workshops: Offers their guidebook "Design Your Own Shoreland" and workshops to create pollinator-friendly, bird-friendly, and, in some cases, deer-resistant, native gardens.
Using native plants ensures lower maintenance (less watering and fertilizing) and higher resilience to the local climate.
- Trees & Shrubs: Alternate-leaf Dogwood, White Spruce, Cedar, Hemlock, and Serviceberry.
- Wildflowers: Asters, Black-eyed Susan, Canada Goldenrod, Purple-stemmed Aster, Swamp Milkweed, and Wild Bergamot.
- Grasses/Sedges: Carex species (sedges) are common and valuable for ecological restoration.
Please visit our ENVIRONMENT page for lots more under
“Land” and “Gardening For Wildlife & Pollinators”
Gardening for Naturalization Techniques
- Shoreline Buffers: Creating a natural edge of vegetation is critical, as it acts as a filter for pollutants and prevents erosion.
- Lawn Alternatives: Replacing traditional lawns with native groundcovers or wildflowers reduces maintenance.
- Soil Management: Leaving leaf litter and using composted pine bark mulch helps maintain soil health, while cardboard can be used as a weed barrier.
- Dealing with Shallow Soil: On bedrock, create raised, naturalized beds using native soil and ground-hugging plants.
Common Invasive Species to Avoid
Invasive species are those that are not native to an area that causes harm to native species.
To keep gardens natural, avoid planting invasive species like Invasive Phragmites, Garlic Mustard, Common Buckthorn, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, and Purple Loosestrife - just to name a few.
For the full list: Ontario Invasive Plant Council - Species List
Locally Invasive Species
Locally invasive species are those that may not be considered invasive at a provincial or national scale, but still pose a threat to native species and habitats at a local or regional scale.
Wherever possible, the sale, purchase and planting of these species should be avoided. If these species are already present on your property, please consider removing them. Please note that effective removal of these species can take several years of repeated effort to achieve. When you remove the invasive species, please dispose of the plant material in the garbage, not in the compost or in natural spaces. Improper disposal of invasive plant material can result in the plants becoming established in new areas.
Restoring the "ribbon of life" means creating layered, natural habitats that provide food, water, shelter, and nesting space year-round. Incorporating native plants, leaving seed heads standing through winter, minimizing lawn space, and avoiding pesticides all contribute to healthier ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Growing native plants from seed is another powerful and cost-effective way to support re-naturalization. Many native species benefit from natural processes like cold stratification (exposure to winter conditions) to germinate successfully. Starting plants from seed not only reduces costs but also increases plant diversity and resilience, helping to restore landscapes in a way that closely mimics natural regeneration.