Welcome to this week's Crown of Flowers!
In celebration of Canadian pride, we're embracing a striking red and white palette that beautifully captures the spirit of our country.
Our whimsical, wild arrangement features the delicate charm of pink astilbe, the sunny cheer of feverfew, the pure simplicity of wild daisies, the classic elegance of roses, and the rustic beauty of grapevine.
Why choose Ecological Design?
Ecological design may seem unfamiliar at first, but it's actually a concept that aligns beautifully with many homeowners' values and lifestyle goals.
It's actually about creating outdoor spaces that not only look stunning but also function in harmony with nature. Think of it as a way to bring the beauty and resilience of the natural world right into your own backyard.
It's about fostering biodiversity, conserving resources, and enhancing the well-being of both your family and the environment.
Ecological garden design is the best of both worlds: it contains the beauty and serenity of an intentionally designed garden, but with added ecological benefits… and it’s the most low-maintenance of all the different garden styles!
AESTHETICS
There’s a misconception that ecological design has only one aesthetic/ or style associated with it.
Ecological design is not limited to a specific look. It can incorporate formal elements with clean lines and structured plantings while still supporting biodiversity.
We can choose plants that offer interest at every stage of the plant: from birth to bloom, bloom to death and death to decay.
Each stage is beautiful and adds different colours and textures to the garden. This makes the garden interesting and pleasing to see no matter the time of year.
A native plant garden can range from growing a prairie in your backyard to a small patch of native wildflowers at your front door. You can also do native drought-tolerant meadow plants in pots on the balcony. Gardens can reflect different habitats - woodlands, prairie pockets, maintained meadows, wetland and pond gardens.
ECOLOGICAL GARDENS DON’T HAVE TO LOOK LIKE THIS! istock ECOLOGICAL GARDENS CAN LOOK LIKE THIS!
(Image credit: Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons/photograph Mark Lord) The Morris & Co. Garden by Ruth Willmott. Photo: Ruth Willmott
Create defined, geometric planting beds with clean lines using materials like low walls, edging, or mulch paths to separate different plant groupings.
As I stroll through my garden with a coffee cup in hand, I'm greeted by my regular bird friends—the goldfinches, chickadees, cardinals, blue jays and rose-breasted grosbeaks that visit this time of year. I quickly scan the Eastern Phoebe nest and am relieved to see momma’s silhouette, this is the second brood this year. Early-rising bumblebees noisily buzz by while the intoxicating scent of milkweed fills the air, and the garden is alive with pollinator activity.
Monika Rekola photos
I’m deeply passionate about ecological landscape design, drawing immense inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy where he integrated nature into every part of his work.
Start by embracing the existing landscape—trees, rocks and water bodies. Design the garden to harmonize with these natural features, using gentle, flowing lines and organic shapes to create a sense of belonging and unity with the surroundings.
For me, sustainability is key. Prioritize native plants suited to your local climate. They support biodiversity and require less maintenance, promoting a healthier ecosystem. Use rain gardens and permeable paving to manage water efficiently, and opt for locally-sourced materials like wood and stone to reduce environmental impact and support community resources.
I love the feel of natural materials like wood and stone in a garden. They give it a cozy, grounded vibe. Mixing different textures makes the space more interesting and alive.
Design pathways that flow naturally through the garden that lead to comfortable seating areas with shade and shelter making the garden feel like an extension of your home.
Choosing colours that match the surroundings and adding things like fragrant plants and the sound of water helps create a garden that engages all your senses. It’s about making the space feel vibrant and inviting.
Gardens are great teachers. I love growing food and teaching others about composting and permaculture. I also enjoy designing habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Personal Benefits
There’s an assumption that ecological design is only for nature and people don’t benefit too. “It sounds like I’m doing a lot for wildlife, but what about the benefits for me?”
Healthier Living Environment:
Ecological design promotes the use of native plants, natural materials, and sustainable practices that contribute to cleaner air, water, and soil. By reducing the use of synthetic chemicals and toxins, ecological landscapes create healthier living environments for you and your family.
Reduced Maintenance:
Ecological gardens are often designed to mimic natural ecosystems, which are inherently self-sustaining and low-maintenance. By selecting native plants adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, you can reduce the need for watering, fertilizing, and mowing, saving time and effort in garden upkeep.
Connection with Nature:
Spending time in an ecological garden can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of peace and tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Benefits of Gardening:
Gardening offers a holistic experience that is physically, mentally, and spiritually engaging. It nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills, sparks creativity, and heightens sensitivity by engaging all the senses. Gardening also builds perseverance, bringing joy and satisfaction with every blooming flower and thriving plant.
Now, more than ever, our gardens are facing the challenge of rapidly-changing climatic conditions and a decline in biodiversity.
It's an urgent commitment to a greener, more sustainable future, where every garden, no matter its size, plays a crucial role in preserving Earth's natural balance and diversity.
Monika Rekola is a certified landscape designer and horticulturist, passionate about gardening and sustainable living. As a budding homesteader and garden writer, she shares her love for recycling, repurposing and birdwatching. Monika is dedicated to ecological gardening, aiming to balance our delicate ecosystem. Contact her at [email protected].
