Centre Wellington’s Council meeting on July 13 heard informative discussion around what constitutes a naturalized garden.
In a report prepared by Satnam Chauhan, supervisor of bylaw and licensing, amendments to the current Clean Yards By-law and Property Standards By-law were recommended to include vocabulary about naturalized gardens.
According to the report a naturalized garden is an “intentionally established or maintained area of vegetation, including but not limited to native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, habitat gardens and rain gardens that may exceed 20.32 centimetres in height and that shows objective indicators of intentional design, planting, or maintenance.”
Chauhan said identifying what constitutes a naturalized garden improves the Township’s objectivity when determining whether a garden is lovingly lush, or overgrown with weeds.
However, the Township will still be enforcing limits on naturalized gardens and they will not be permitted if;
- the garden obstructs a sidewalk, walkway, driveway, travelled roadway or required sightline
- interferes with drainage or contribute to standing water contrary to this By-law
- obstructs access to hydrants, meters, utilities, or municipal infrastructure
- includes dead, decayed, or damaged natural growth creating an Unsafe Condition
- includes Noxious Weeds or Invasive Plants in a manner requiring control
- creates or materially contributes to infestation-promoting conditions
- or otherwise create an Objective Risk or nuisance condition under this By-law
Chauhan said these guidelines create a balance between ecological benefits and public safety.
There are already a few naturalized gardens scattered throughout Centre Wellington and Elora resident, Patrick Cushion, said providing a space for native pollinators and native plants is simply a wonderful thing.
With the help of a green-thumbed friend Cushion’s property is host to an expansive garden with a variety of native flowers, greens, fruits and vegetables.
The backyard is particularly diverse with ferns, hostas, poppies, blueberries, raspberries and a variety of vegetables.
Cushion said having a lush garden provides a peaceful and quiet space.
