Protecting the water that flows into our rivers and lakes.

Every time it rains... a host of bacteria, chemicals, fuels and heavy metals wash off our lawns, driveways, sidewalks and streets, running straight into lakes and rivers via the underground storm sewer system making them hazardous for swimming and aquatic life. 

Let's do something about it! But what exactly can individuals do about such a big issue?

It's easy. If everyone does something small it will add up to a big effect and we might just feel more comfortable swimming at the beach and eating the fish we catch. We'll show you how in one of of our local events, workshops, presentations and generally being on-hand to answer your questions when you have them.

Click Here to learn more about how to Soak It Up, Keep it Clean, and Slow it Down.

 

 

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Xeriscaping Your Yard: Save Water and Create a Beautiful Garden
Kaitlin Krull
 
Creating a beautiful garden space at home while remaining conscious of natural resources can seem a daunting task. A recent increase in water shortages coupled with a desire for sustainable gardening have led many homeowners to turn to xeriscaping. Xeriscaped gardens minimise the need for irrigation systems and save water while adding to the home’s curb appeal (something we at Modernize take very seriously). Here are some tips for setting up your own sustainable and attractive xeriscaped garden.
 
What is xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a type of gardening that has gained favour in recent years due to a rising occurrence of droughts and a need/want for gardens requiring little water. Also known as “zeroscaping”, this kind of landscaping reduces the need for external irrigation and supplemental water with the use of xerophytic plants (plants that require less water or that are better at retaining water). Although many homeowners have found xeriscaped gardens to be less attractive than their traditional counterparts in the past, the current trend towards sustainable gardening has led to an affinity for these kinds of gardens and more creative ways of displaying xerophytic plant varieties.

 
Plan your garden

• When to plant

The best time of year to begin xeriscaping is late Summer to early Autumn. If you get your garden ready to go at this point in the year, your plants will have developed significantly deep roots in time for their first Spring.
 

• Layout

The first step to xeriscaping your yard is choosing an appropriate layout. Group plants according to their water needs, using slopes and terraces to maximise runoff and natural irrigation.  As with all gardens, leave taller plants towards the back of your garden and make sure those plants requiring the most sunlight are placed correctly. Use stones and rocks to delineate edges and barriers in your garden; these accessories will add to the ambience of your xeriscaped yard and create functional borders.
 

via Modernize
 

• Soil

High quality soil is essential in a xeriscaped garden, as the varieties you plant will need to take deep roots in order to maximise their water intake. If your soil is sandy or low in natural minerals, consider adding compost or store bought soil to increase the quality of your garden.
 

• Plants

When you are ready to plant your xeriscaped garden, make sure to fill any holes with water and allow them to drain naturally before initial planting. Choose plants that will thrive in your xeriscaped environment: drought tolerant succulents and grasses, plants with waxy coatings, or plants with silver or woolly leaves will lock in and conserve water and reflect the sun for maximum water retention. For a list of the best xerophytic plants to use in Ontario, check out Canadian Gardening.

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• Maintenance

Once you’ve planted your xeriscaped garden, make sure to water your plants at least once a week to begin with in order to develop roots. Make use of drip irrigation systems when necessary, but terraces and sloped gardens will do much of this work for you. Consider investing a rainwater collection butt or barrel and save even more water over time. With a green thumb and a little bit of luck, you will eventually have a sustainable garden requiring very little regular maintenance.