Adding native plants to Calgary parks creates homes for birds, bees and other wildlife and keeps these greenspaces healthy and thriving. This spring, more native plants are being added to Rotary Park in Calgary’s northeast. The City of Calgary has partnered with EcoLogic Horticulture to reinvigorate the greenspace surrounding the Centre Street Bridge lion sculpture. EcoLogic Horticulture donated the native shrubs, grasses and flowers and additional plants and materials were donated by Golden Acre Home & Garden and Eagle Lake Turf Farm & Landscape Supply. This section of the park has been temporarily fenced off to allow for the site to be prepared for planting. The fencing will be removed later this summer once the plants are established.
Parks & Open Spaces and the Public Art team are collaborating to beautify this section of Rotary Park while protecting the integrity of the Centre Street Bridge lion sculpture. After being subject to repeated vandalism in recent years, the sculpture has undergone careful conservation treatments. To protect the lion while maintaining public access, the Public Art team recently installed new lighting to deter vandalism and highlight the statue’s historical and artistic significance—especially at night. The native planting project supports the overall conservation goals by subtly guiding respectful engagement with the artwork and integrating the sculpture more harmoniously into its park setting.
Many benefits to adding native plants to your own yard and garden
“A native plant is a plant species that existed in a particular area prior to European settlement of that area, or without ever having been introduced by humans,” said Caylee. She says there are several benefits of adding native plants to your yard and garden. “Native plants are well adapted to Calgary’s climate and soil conditions and often require little maintenance, water and fertilizer once established,” said Caylee. “Plants suited to Calgary’s climate also provide homes, food and nesting materials for pollinators and other wildlife.”
There are a few ways that these water wise, native plants differ from non-native plants. “Native plants are more in tune with our seasons here in Calgary,” said Caylee. “So that means that they can be a bit slower to germinate initially and they tend to wake up a little later in the season, compared to non-native plants – they know better! In many cases, native plants establish faster and more successfully than non-natives with less help from us. This is because they evolved alongside local climate, soil and other factors giving them a competitive advantage.”
Once native plants are established (meaning their roots are strong and the plant remains resilient no matter the weather) they only need rainfall or water after two to three weeks of consistent, hot weather with little rain, said Caylee.
Below are some examples of native plants that grow successfully here in Calgary that we are also planting at Rotary Park.
Smooth Blue Aster
A drought tolerant plant that blooms in the fall, asters are known to attract bees and butterflies. They produce many flowers with bright yellow discs in the centre surrounded by striking purple petals. Smooth aster can reach up to four feet.
Photo courtesy James L. Reveal,
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Canada goldenrod
Low goldenrod will be planted at Rotary Park, which is very similar to Canada goldenrod. Canada goldenrod is a showy late-season bloomer that is an especially important source of pollen for native bees. Growing from three to six feet in height with large, pyramid-shaped clusters of yellow flowers, Canada goldenrod is a favourite of both gardeners and pollinators.
Yarrow
With feathery foliage and tight clusters of white flowers, this easy-to-grow plant is a must have for any backyard garden. Growing up to three feet in height, yarrow tolerates dry conditions and is attractive to pollinators. Yarrow blooms throughout the summer.
Where to find native plants
There are an increasing number of garden centres selling local native plants. Call ahead to ask which native plants they offer. Centres will often label if a plant is native or not. The Alberta Native Plant Council has great resources to help you discover plants native to Alberta.
For more information on how to create a beautiful, water wise yard and garden by adding native plants, visit calgary.ca/yardsmart
