Growing a Lawn Solutions Meadow

Growing a Lawn Solutions Meadow

Scott Ferguson, Horticulturalist at the UBC Botanical Garden

Q: Hi Scott! Can you share a little about the history of these areas at the botanical garden where the lawn alternatives were planted and the reason behind wanting to plant these products here? I sowed the Alternative Lawn Blend mix in a strip in our parking lot. In previous years, the base soil was extremely compacted — perhaps from heavy vehicles as well as lots of foot traffic from thousands of visitors. The ground had never been aerated. Later, a layer of soil was put on top, which I don’t think was the best solution for wildflowers. I wanted to put an alternative lawn here to show the public what it might be like to have even a small patch of these flowers in their yards. For many visitors, the parking lot is the first thing they see, and the space is very hot and sunny. I always like to see pollinators visiting flowers, and this was a perfect area to trial.
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Q: Hi Scott! Can you share a little about the history of these areas at the botanical garden where the lawn alternatives were planted and the reason behind wanting to plant these products here?

I sowed the Alternative Lawn Blend mix in a strip in our parking lot. In previous years, the base soil was extremely compacted — perhaps from heavy vehicles as well as lots of foot traffic from thousands of visitors. The ground had never been aerated. Later, a layer of soil was put on top, which I don’t think was the best solution for wildflowers. I wanted to put an alternative lawn here to show the public what it might be like to have even a small patch of these flowers in their yards. For many visitors, the parking lot is the first thing they see, and the space is very hot and sunny. I always like to see pollinators visiting flowers, and this was a perfect area to trial.

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Q: Hi Scott! Can you share a little about the history of these areas at the botanical garden where the lawn alternatives were planted and the reason behind wanting to plant these products here?

I sowed the Alternative Lawn Blend mix in a strip in our parking lot. In previous years, the base soil was extremely compacted — perhaps from heavy vehicles as well as lots of foot traffic from thousands of visitors. The ground had never been aerated. Later, a layer of soil was put on top, which I don’t think was the best solution for wildflowers. I wanted to put an alternative lawn here to show the public what it might be like to have even a small patch of these flowers in their yards. For many visitors, the parking lot is the first thing they see, and the space is very hot and sunny. I always like to see pollinators visiting flowers, and this was a perfect area to trial.

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Planting biologically diverse hedgerows is one of the best ways to improve biodiversity on farmland.  Hedgerows, which are made up of rows of trees and shrubs planted along field margins, provide habitat, forage and nesting sites for a variety of wildlife, especially migrating and wintering birds.  They also provide habitat for wild pollinators and beneficial insects which can benefit crop production by enhancing crop pollination and reducing pressure from crop pests. Additionally, hedgerows add carbon to the soil and act as windbreaks to reduce soil erosion and mitigate wind damage to crops. 

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Planting biologically diverse hedgerows is one of the best ways to improve biodiversity on farmland.  Hedgerows, which are made up of rows of trees and shrubs planted along field margins, provide habitat, forage and nesting sites for a variety of wildlife, especially migrating and wintering birds.  They also provide habitat for wild pollinators and beneficial insects which can benefit crop production by enhancing crop pollination and reducing pressure from crop pests. Additionally, hedgerows add carbon to the soil and act as windbreaks to reduce soil erosion and mitigate wind damage to crops. 

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You’ve probably been a “homesteader” for many years and didn’t even know it. Homesteading isn’t about where you live, it’s not about having rural acreage or “living off grid”, at its simplest, homesteading is about living your values through your everyday choices and activities. One of the best things about homesteading is there is no universal definition, anyone can homestead anywhere.

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You’ve probably been a “homesteader” for many years and didn’t even know it. Homesteading isn’t about where you live, it’s not about having rural acreage or “living off grid”, at its simplest, homesteading is about living your values through your everyday choices and activities. One of the best things about homesteading is there is no universal definition, anyone can homestead anywhere.

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Oilfields High School, nestled in the heart of Diamond Valley, Alberta, is more than just a school—it's a hub of innovation and sustainability for a...

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Oilfields High School, nestled in the heart of Diamond Valley, Alberta, is more than just a school—it's a hub of innovation and sustainability for a small town with a population of 5,341 (as of 2021). In a region celebrated for...

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I farm flowers in a Zone 3 climate, where our growing season is short and intensive, and to extend the beauty into the fall and winter, we dry thousands of stems. While dried flowers may call to mind images of dusty arrangements adorning your grandparent’s house, I assure you – they are making a comeback. This isn’t only because they can be truly spectacular when done right, they’re also the most sustainable way to preserve flowers in the starkest and coldest of months. 

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I farm flowers in a Zone 3 climate, where our growing season is short and intensive, and to extend the beauty into the fall and winter, we dry thousands of stems. While dried flowers may call to mind images of dusty arrangements adorning your grandparent’s house, I assure you – they are making a comeback. This isn’t only because they can be truly spectacular when done right, they’re also the most sustainable way to preserve flowers in the starkest and coldest of months. 

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I joined the team of West Coast Seeds in December of 2023 as the Product Manager with the goal of creating a comprehensive assortment of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds that addresses the needs and desires of our diverse community of growers.

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I joined the team of West Coast Seeds in December of 2023 as the Product Manager with the goal of creating a comprehensive assortment of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds that addresses the needs and desires of our diverse community of growers.

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When we think of technology helping us around the house we often think of the Roomba, a robot vacuum, or automatic lid lifting garbage cans. But did you know that technology is starting to make its way outdoors?  

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When we think of technology helping us around the house we often think of the Roomba, a robot vacuum, or automatic lid lifting garbage cans. But did you know that technology is starting to make its way outdoors?  

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Willow Springs Creative Centre, located northwest of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario, has been delivering therapeutic horticultural programs since 2009. We have created home-based, accessible gardening program for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, therapeutic gardening programs for children with Autism, seniors in long term care, and horticultural therapy programs for Indigenous children and youth in residential treatment centres.

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Willow Springs Creative Centre, located northwest of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario, has been delivering therapeutic horticultural programs since 2009. We have created home-based, accessible gardening program for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, therapeutic gardening programs for children with Autism, seniors in long term care, and horticultural therapy programs for Indigenous children and youth in residential treatment centres.

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The Shelbourne Community Kitchen (The Kitchen) would like to share their gratitude for the generous seed donation provided by West Coast Seeds for our 2024...

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The Shelbourne Community Kitchen (The Kitchen) would like to share their gratitude for the generous seed donation provided by West Coast Seeds for our 2024 growing season. Your seeds have introduced us to new varieties like Sakura and Caiman tomatoes,...

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Plants and pollinators (like bees) have a mutualistic relationship. Pollinators benefit by feeding on nectar and pollen provided by flowers. In return they transfer pollen as they move from flower to flower, leading to fertilization, successful seed development, and fruit production.

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Plants and pollinators (like bees) have a mutualistic relationship. Pollinators benefit by feeding on nectar and pollen provided by flowers. In return they transfer pollen as they move from flower to flower, leading to fertilization, successful seed development, and fruit production.

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Getting started on your birding adventure is an exciting time for anyone. If you are new to birding, one of the most important things you need to think about is what birds you would like to attract. The type of feeder you use is a major factor in this. For example, a simple platform feeder can attract a wide variety of birds. You can fill this with almost any type of bird feed you like, doing this allows many different birds to find your feeder and enjoy the seeds you have to offer.

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Getting started on your birding adventure is an exciting time for anyone. If you are new to birding, one of the most important things you need to think about is what birds you would like to attract. The type of feeder you use is a major factor in this. For example, a simple platform feeder can attract a wide variety of birds. You can fill this with almost any type of bird feed you like, doing this allows many different birds to find your feeder and enjoy the seeds you have to offer.

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Lovingly home-grown food has always been good for us. The ability to nurture seed into food to bring to the table is magical and feels incredibly good. Less plastic, less cost and fresh as you like produce to pick and enjoy. Now, with all the stressful things happening in the world, it is arguably become more important than ever.

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Lovingly home-grown food has always been good for us. The ability to nurture seed into food to bring to the table is magical and feels incredibly good. Less plastic, less cost and fresh as you like produce to pick and enjoy. Now, with all the stressful things happening in the world, it is arguably become more important than ever.

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Last year, I attended training at my school board and was introduced to the concept of “Real-World Learning.” Ontario’s Upper Canada District School Board is engaging students in deeper learning by making the curriculum more relevant through meaningful, community connected projects. As both a high school English teacher and animal lover, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine my passions.

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Last year, I attended training at my school board and was introduced to the concept of “Real-World Learning.” Ontario’s Upper Canada District School Board is engaging students in deeper learning by making the curriculum more relevant through meaningful, community connected projects. As both a high school English teacher and animal lover, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine my passions.

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The donated seeds to Old North public school garden initiative in London, Ontario, have been put to good use! A wide range of grades have...

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The donated seeds to Old North public school garden initiative in London, Ontario, have been put to good use! A wide range of grades have been involved in various activities involving the preparation of the ground, the planting of the...

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Founded in 1993, and built on the belief that no one should have to face the many challenges of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illness...

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Founded in 1993, and built on the belief that no one should have to face the many challenges of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illness alone, the Vancouver Friends for Life Society is a holistic wellness centre with a comprehensive...

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“So, do you want grass?” was the first question he asked us, and while Cape Bretoners love their lawns, no - we didn’t want grass. When we took over our farm in 2023 the 20+ year lease on 5 acres of cultivated land ended, and our first task was to negotiate what would be replanted.

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“So, do you want grass?” was the first question he asked us, and while Cape Bretoners love their lawns, no - we didn’t want grass. When we took over our farm in 2023 the 20+ year lease on 5 acres of cultivated land ended, and our first task was to negotiate what would be replanted.

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Flower gardens have an immense impact on local ecosystems. So why not create one yourself, and one you can cut from to enjoy indoors!

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Choose a location: Look for an area in your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil.
  1. Select your flowers: When choosing flowers for your cutting garden, consider what you like and what will grow well in your area.

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Flower gardens have an immense impact on local ecosystems. So why not create one yourself, and one you can cut from to enjoy indoors!

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Choose a location: Look for an area in your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil.
  1. Select your flowers: When choosing flowers for your cutting garden, consider what you like and what will grow well in your area.

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The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) was founded in 1921 - An umbrella organization created to support the Community Leagues of Edmonton. Today, the...

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The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) was founded in 1921 - An umbrella organization created to support the Community Leagues of Edmonton. Today, the EFCL supports 163 Communities! The EFCL Green Leagues program supports communities with all sustainability-related projects,...

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In 1966, a group of citizens gathered with a vision of a natural space in the heart of the city; an escape from the growing...

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In 1966, a group of citizens gathered with a vision of a natural space in the heart of the city; an escape from the growing urban sprawl, and a space where the community could connect and learn from nature. When...

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We started our Seed Library in the hopes of bringing our community together and helping with food insecurity in our area. We started planning in...

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We started our Seed Library in the hopes of bringing our community together and helping with food insecurity in our area. We started planning in October of 2023 and were finally able to make it a reality in April 2024....

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West End Seniors’ Network become an incorporated society in BC in October 1982, and has been a registered charity since July 1984. Currently, there are...

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West End Seniors’ Network become an incorporated society in BC in October 1982, and has been a registered charity since July 1984. Currently, there are over 800 members of the Network, 18 paid staff members and more than 250 active...

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Blessing the Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Ethiopia. It was founded in 2009 by a group...

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Blessing the Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Ethiopia. It was founded in 2009 by a group of individuals who were passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children...

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I started Gone to Seed in March of 2021, my husband Mark and I built the library and stocked it by breaking up my own...

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I started Gone to Seed in March of 2021, my husband Mark and I built the library and stocked it by breaking up my own seed stash into smaller portions. I decided to start the library at a time that...

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Our mission is to create a hunger free community on South Whidbey Island. Good Cheer Food Bank Garden is located on Whidbey Island, WA. We...

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Our mission is to create a hunger free community on South Whidbey Island. Good Cheer Food Bank Garden is located on Whidbey Island, WA. We are a choice-based food bank, operating on a grocery-store model to increase access to nutrient...

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