Author: MK

Lawns–Biological Deserts

                                                                                         Photo courtesy of National Science Foundation

A friend of mine has spent over $15,000 in the last 4 years on his front yard and backyard- it is but natural to ask “Why?’”

His answer was “To grow a lawn,” or more specifically turf (here, turf is defined as the grass and the surface layer of earth held together by its roots). When I heard this, I was aghast!

Lawns are dead ecosystems. They are equivalent to concrete footpaths when it comes to their ecological contribution. Yet home owners in North America collectively spend billions of dollars trying to perfect the art of turf maintenance. What a marketing success, I must say.

Lawn was historically grown by the elites in Europe- especially in England and France. The climatic conditions there are well suited for the growth of grass. European colonizers (English and French) introduced grass to North America, among other places in the world.

In North America one had to be very affluent to be able to maintain large areas of turf. Before the invention of the lawn mower, maintenance required a substantial commitment of manual labour. Even today, some suburban homeowner’s associations fine homeowners for not maintaining their lawns according to set standards. This, after large academic studies show that that present day lawns are one of the best examples of unsustainable practices.

Lawns are monocultures which makes them biological deserts. Monocultures like lawns support very little in terms of species diversity. At the same time, they are easily susceptible to invasive species, diseases and other biotic outbreaks. To counter them we treat the lawn with a whole horde of chemicals. This clearly shows that the lawn cannot sustain itself and needs constant care- “lawn care”.

Not only that, lawns are the largest irrigated crops, contribute to runoff, consume a lot of energy (gasoline and electricity for maintenance machinery), and require chemical pollutants and toxins to keep them looking their best. Still, after all this work, lawns have very little ecological value.

Our standard lawn growing and maintenance practices are unsustainable and cause substantial degradation to the ecosystem. A study from the University of California-Irvine found that the total estimated greenhouse gas emissions from lawn care –which includes fertilizer and pesticide production, watering, mowing, leaf blowing and other lawn management practices–was four times greater than the amount of carbon dioxide stored by grass. In other words, our lawns and their maintenance generate four times the amount of carbon dioxide they absorb.

So, how do we go about fixing this problem? Well, all is not lost. There are various lawn alternatives that are ecologically friendly and help in creating a balance in the natural environment.

Imagine yourself as a tired insect or a bird and are looking at the landscape from a few hundred feet above. Where would you want to land? On a large green patch of grass that has very little to offer in terms of food and shelter? Or would you like to land on a patch that has cozy leaf litter for shelter, a few juicy herbaceous plants for nectar and berries, and a small watering hole to cool down? I know what I would choose.

This spring, when you step out into your backyard and start planning your garden maintenance program, pause. Take a step back. Think. Think of all the possibilities that you have, all the great options that are available to reduce the amount of lawn. Think of this as great opportunity, an opening to create an ecosystem, to create your own garden of Eden. Think of what you can do to bring nature back to your home, to your very own backyard.

MOHAN IYER

IYERMOHANK@GMAIL.COM

MISSISSAUGA MASTER GARDENERS

REFERENCES

HTTPS://EARTHER.GIZMODO.COM/LAWNS–ARE–AN–ECOLOGICAL–DISASTER-1826070720

HTTP://EMERALDREVIEW.COM/AMERICAN–LAWNS–POINT–OF–PRIDE–OR–ECOLOGICAL–DISASTER/

HTTPS://WWW.LOSETHELAWN.COM/LOSE_LAWN_ARTICLE.PHP

MK

How does your garden grow? Peel residents are growing their own food during the pandemic

Pandemic is providing  an opportunity to build better connections with our food by creating edible gardens.

Story from The Mississauga News includes an interview with our own MMG Michelle Wilson.

Our new COVID-19 world has changed the way we as a society live and consume. In just a few weeks since physical distancing and other health regulations were put in place, communities have quickly learned how to adapt and react.

One area that has been impacted most is food, leading to food insecurity.

Since the pandemic was declared nearly two months ago, food bank usage has increased, farmers are having to discard their produce due to closures of large customers like restaurants, and talks of food shortages are everyday occurrences.

But one “hobby” is emerging as a potential solution to our food woes. The interest in gardening and growing your own food has bloomed immensely.

“On multiple levels this is definitely a trend that has happened around the world,” said Joe Nasr, of Ryerson University’s Centre for Studies in Food Security and Toronto Urban Growers.

“People are concerned, and more exposure is making them think of the food and agriculture system in a more tangible way.”

Nasr believes there are multiple reasons behind the spike in amateur gardening.

Not only do more people have time of their hands, gardening can also be a therapeutic release during stressful times. Not to mention potential food shortages or how many people rely on community gardens — which were closed until recently — for their food supply.

“A shortage of food hasn’t happened yet, but it can easily happen. Food coming from Mexico to feed Canada is dependent on access to borders,” said Nasr.

For Jane Hayes of the Erin Mills Community Garden and Garden Jane, she believes this opportunity allows people to connect with memories of the past and cites victory gardens from the war.

“You’re essentially joining quite a big movement and that is reassuring,” she said.

She also lists giving people a sense of control, self-soothing and calmness as additional benefits of taking up gardening.

Michelle Wilson of the Master Gardeners Mississauga and Chinguacousy Garden Club believes the move to growing your own produce is the right step to self-sufficiency.

“We need to move away from ‘nice looking’ to having something to eat,” she said, explaining that aesthetically pleasing lawns and flower beds are not of such importance.

“These are trying times, if we get a second wave that (growing for aesthetics) is going to disappear, people do need to garden for themselves for security.”

Wilson has spent many years learning the do’s and don’ts of gardening and planting and has provided some tips for those experimenting with their green thumbs.

For the first time-gardener, it’s best to pick plants that are easiest to grow. Vegetables like radishes, herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, kale, swiss chard and squash are some that Wilson suggests.

Growing vegetables from plants instead of seeds is also suggested for beginners.

“Your garden area needs to have good drainage,” says Wilson, adding it will also need access to rain and good light, at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Enriched soils are better for growing conditions and Wilson suggests keeping your food waste to do the job. Crushed eggshells, coffee grounds and banana peels can be mixed in to create organic compost.

A tip that is often forgotten is giving your plants enough space, as Wilson explains, “a lot of times you get excited and plant too much.” Overcrowding will lead to the death of your plants.

If you don’t have access to garden space, Wilson suggests grabbing a pot and start experimenting.

“There’s no reason why we can’t grow things in pots,” says Wilson. “But they have to have deep roots.”

Beets, carrots, kale and swiss chard need pots large enough to home the growing roots, while herbs, lettuce and green onions can be grown in shallow containers.

Pots and containers will need to be placed in a sunny location to get their 6-8 hours of sun.

Wilson cautions that growing vegetables in containers above ground often dry out quickly and will need to be monitored during the warmer months.

In general, Wilson says to keep it simple — have fun and grow only what you will eat.

“Do not expect to learn everything all at once, there will be failure along with the success,” she said.

“This is key.”

For the meantime, there is no denying the impact of growing your own food, but will this practice continue after the pandemic is over? Both Wilson and Nasr hope the answer to that question is yes.

Hayes sees this moment as a chance to “learn how to improve our local food access and our relationship with foods, with farmers and with our fellow community members,” and hopes to see these relationships flourish in the future.

MK

Miss Riverwood’s Webinar “Ask the Garden Experts”? Here’s a link to the video

Riverwood’s “Ask the Garden Experts” online webinar filled to capacity early on, so if you missed it, as we did, you might have been disappointed.

But, fortunately, Riverwood has posted the entire webinar to YouTube, where you can watch it at your leisure. Here is the link: Ask The Garden Experts Apr 23/2020

In this video, you will visit the spring garden of Douglas Markoff (Executive Director, The Riverwood Conservancy) and his wife Gail, pictured below  in their greenhouse.

As well, we learn about soil health,  growing vegetables, pruning shrubs, dividing perennials and more.

One particular plant that garnered a lot of interest from the participants is one of Douglas’ favorites:
Mukdenia rossii, a plant with multi-season interest.  Learn more about mukdenia here:

MK

EcoSource “Grown in Mississauga” Manual Available for Free Download

Learn how to grow fresh vegetables at home with this interactive step-by-step guide from EcoSource Canada.

Information on where to site your garden, soil heath, choosing which vegetables to plant, starting seeds, transplanting seedlings, garden maintenance and more.  Specifically tailored to gardening in Mississauga, this pamplet is a treasure trove of useful help on planning and planting your #VictoryGarden2020.

Download your free copy HERE

MK

City of Brampton’s Backyard Garden Program Announced

We congratulate Brampton on the new Backyard Garden Program for Brampton residents and we hope that other communities will follow the Flower City’s good example.

Mississauga Master Gardeners’ primary project for 2020 is to foster home vegetable gardens in the tradition of Victory Gardens during WWI & WWII. #VictoryGarden2020 is a  way to engage with nature, provide food security, teach kids about gardening and nature, improve soil, benefit the environment and more.

  Plus there is nothing like picking your own fresh vegetables just at their peak of ripeness…food doesn’t get more local (or tasty) than that.

Follow MMG posts for advice on what to plant and how to plant your Victory Garden 2020.

Here is more info on the Brampton initiative.
We hope  that the City of Mississauga follows this example and creates a home vegetable garden program of our own! And other local communities can do the same.

Media Release

City of Brampton announces first citywide Backyard Garden Program in Canada in response to COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

​BRAMPTON, ON (April 16, 2020) – Yesterday, the City of Brampton launched the Backyard Garden Program, a new eco-friendly initiative to help support food security in our city, and encourage residents to get active at home during the COVID-19 emergency. The City of Brampton is the first municipality in Canada to launch a citywide initiative to support residents in growing their own gardens in response to COVID-19.

The new Brampton Backyard Garden Program is chaired by City Councillor Doug Whillans, Wards 2 and 6, in partnership with the City’s Parks Maintenance and Forestry division, and will include community partners as required.

With physical distancing measures in effect, this program encourages residents to grow produce and herbs from the comfort of their own homes, and donate their homegrown crops to local food banks and community organizations. In order to ensure food is equally distributed to those in need, a request form will made available for food banks and organizations to complete.

This initiative supports the Mayor’s Social Support Task Force’s focus on food security and reaffirms the City’s priority of being a sustainable Green City.

The new Backyard Garden Program, through which residents can continue to stay active and green, is an extension of the existing Community Gardens program.

Residents can request free supplies (soil and seeds) by emailing BramptonGreenCity@brampton.ca. We will also share tutorials and tips on how to maintain gardens on our website at www.brampton.ca/parks.

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day just around the corner (Wednesday, April 22), this is the perfect opportunity for residents to contribute to urban agriculture, give back to the community, and help Brampton become a more healthy, resilient, and environmentally sustainable city. Here are some tips to celebrate Earth Day at home.   Read more

MK

MMG Spring Plant Sale May 23rd, 2020 is CANCELLED

Sadly we must cancel our MMG SPRING PLANT SALE, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd at Riverwood.

All May events at Riverwood are now cancelled, as well as some events in early June, due to the current pandemic.

We take some comfort in the fact that gardening is NOT cancelled and neither is Spring, so we’ll be busy in our own gardens in the meantime. But we are always available online for helpful advice.

And any of the Master Gardener groups would be happy to answer your gardening questions, just ask!

We are especially interested in promoting a renewal of the idea of Victory Gardens in 2020, as a way to provide food security, encourage healthy outdoor activity that allows for needed physical distancing, to give your kids a fun, educational project, help the environment, and so much more.

Check out our MMG social media for helpful times on how to #GetGrowing this season.

And we are hopeful that our proposed Fall Plant Sale 2020 might still be possible…check back for updates on our planned  October event at the Port Credit Library.

Stay safe and healthy, Happy Gardening!

MK

What is a Victory Garden? Why You Should Plant One in 2020

 

History of Victory Gardens:

Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany during World War I and World War II. In the war time, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale.

George Washington Carver wrote an agricultural tract and promoted the idea of what he called a “Victory Garden”. They were used along with Rationing Stamps and Cards to reduce pressure on the public food supply. Besides indirectly aiding the war effort, these gardens were also considered a civil “morale booster” in that gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. This made victory gardens a part of daily life on the home front.

Source: Wikipedia //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_garden

Victory Gardens 2020:

As we write this in March 2020, there is a global “war” being waged against a common enemy, COVID-19, the pandemic virus. 

In these troubled times, gardening has a big part to play in the well-being of so many of us. Gardening is one of the few activities that is not cancelled, and it  is a valuable outlet in these times of turmoil. But to get the most benefit from our gardens, perhaps we should  turn to the practice of creating Victory Gardens once again, and grow some of our own food this season.

Growing your own food is important for so many reasons, with so many benefits:

  • Food security: Agriculture will be impacted by COVID-19 in coming months and there will be disruptions and potential shortages of some fresh foods. By planting an edible garden, you’ll be providing your family with a steady supply.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables will likely increase in price. Your garden can even  grow organic fruit and vegetables, which will save you money in the long run.
  • Gardening is not cancelled! This fresh-air activity is therapeutic and can be practiced with safe outdoor social distancing, even if done in a community garden setting. Gardening improves morale in tough times, and, if you plant them, you get tomatoes!
  • Gardening has benefits for the environment and your victory garden will help combat climate change.You can have an edible garden in any space, whether it is a collection of pots of fresh herbs on a windowsill, a grouping of containers on a deck or patio, or a full garden bed on your plot. We can show you how in our series of posts here and on twitter.

  • Edible gardens are a great teaching tool for kids. Studies show that children are more likely to eat vegetables that they’ve had a hand in growing, so that is win-win as well! Now that kids are home from school, why not involve them in growing seeds and planting your edible garden?
  • Nothing tastes better than the fresh produce that comes from your own garden, where you know exactly what has gone into the final product.  And vegetables you grow yourself are likely more nutritious as well.


Follow our series of posts here on our website, on our MMG Facebook and on twitter @MississaugaMGs.
Over the next couple of months, we’ll be posting advice on how to get started, what to plant from seed now & later, how to transplant seedlings, edibles in containers, and more.

If we miss answering your question about #VictoryGarden2020, get in contact with us through our social media contacts or by email at
mississaugamgwebmaster@gmail.com

Mississauga Master Gardeners are  here to help with gardening advice.
NB: Sorry, we can’t come over and plant the garden for you, even when social distancing ends!

Let’s #GetGrowing, Everybody!

MK

Mississauga Master Gardener Nominated for Community Award

MMG Jeanne McRight, shown above with Ward One Councillor Stephen Dasko, as she receives her certificate.

“It’s such an honor to be nominated for Mississauga’s Ward One Award of Excellence for Environmental Stewardship,” says Blooming Boulevards founder Jeanne McRight.

Jeanne’s non-profit organization Blooming Boulevards has as its focus pollinator support and community education. “By growing locally indigenous wildflowers on our urban boulevards – normally planted with high-maintenance grass – we are providing food and nesting spaces for our 400 species of native bees. These bee species are declining at precipitous rates, with one species common just a decade ago now the on the endangered list. Loss of habitat is a major reason. It makes sense to replace grass with pollen-laden and nectar-rich flowers that feed butterflies and bees. And along the boulevards, up close and personal, the beautiful streetscapes feed our souls.” Blooming Boulevards got its start in early  2019, but its outreach program has already made its mark with several residential pollinator gardens already planted, as well as community pollinator gardens underway in the Small Arms Society lands and, most recently, Spruce Park.   Projects well worthy of  Environmental Stewardship commendation!
Learn more about Jeanne’s important work here: BloomingBoulevards.org 

Volunteers always welcome!  Several other Mississauga MGs are lending their support to this great organization.

MK

MMG FALL PLANT SALE Saturday October 5th, 2019 at the Port Credit Library

MISSISSAUGA MASTER GARDENER’s FALL PLANT SALE
Saturday October 5, 2019  10am-2pm  at the Port Credit Library

Did you know that fall is a great time to plant?  Perennials are able to concentrate on root development during the autumn as above ground growth slows.

So join us on Saturday October 5th at the Port Credit Library to get some new plants for your garden.  Opportunity all day to have your garden questions answered by the experts.  Spring bulbs (to plant this fall) will be for sale as well.

Presentations:
11 am – Pollination and Growing Native Plants

12 pm – Preparing Your Garden for Winter

See you there!

 

MK

Come on Down to CNE 2019, Master Gardeners Advice Clinic

The Canadian National Exhibition  2019 runs from August 16 to Sept 2, including Labour Day Monday.

Master Gardeners from all over the GTA will be on hand at Heritage Court at the Master Gardener’s booth throughout the event. Find us near the flower show.

Bring your gardening questions along; our MG volunteers are ready and willing to offer our expert advice.

See you there!

MK

MMG June Outing to Whistling Gardens

MMGs enjoyed a great outing to Whistling Gardens this past weekend. It was cool & grey out, but the gardens made up for it with great displays of colourful peonies, well over 1000 varieties!

Owner Darren Heimbecker gave us a guided tour of his botanical treasures, accompanied by Leggo, his 6 month old puppy. (Leggo wasn’t as interested in the horticultural detail as we were.) But MMGs thoroughly appreciated the collection of rare conifers, native Carolinian trees and unusual ornamental plants.

It was a great outing and we highly recommend visiting Whistling Gardens with your garden group. A unique, must-see collection for any plant lover. Group tours welcome; guided tours available and well worth it!
For more info: www.whistlinggardens.ca

 

MK