QCHCA’s Climate Action Pollinator project update:
It has been a little over one year since we first ‘broke ground’ on the 2 boulevards on Astoria Street at Willerton Avenue. We didn’t actually ‘break ground’ as we used a ‘no dig’ method to smother the existing grass and weeds, layer goodies like alfalfa, straw and bone meal on top and cover the whole area with a generous layer of topsoil.
Before . . . Preparation of the beds
We spread seeds, planted some small seedlings, mulched and hoped for the best over the Winter! With the support of the Saanich Parks department, we carved out some chip paths and installed log benches on both boulevards for the enjoyment of the many people who walk the street leading into the Cedar Hill Park.
Log benches courtesy of Saanich Parks
Spring and Summer saw the emergence of more seedlings, grasses, shrubs and, of course – weeds! Our neighbours generously donated water during the dry summer and volunteers kept the gardens weeded and watered during the drought.
Now the gardens have been put to bed for the Winter with a fresh layer of leaf mulch as we eagerly await the arrival of Spring to see what has grown and evolved. The gardens are approximately 60% planted and we plan to add more plants in the Spring – mostly relying on donations from fellow gardeners.
We would love to engage with a few more people to help us establish and maintain the gardens – no prior skill necessary, just a love of our natural environment and a desire to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change!
Please contact Susan Morrow at qchca3003@gmail.com with questions, ideas, offers….Thank you!
