Frequently Asked Questions about West Bend Naturescapes
Is your group selling something?
No. West Bend Naturescapes is a non profit groups of volunteers promoting native plants to strengthen the local native plant environment for flowers, native insects and birds. Our goal is to link the natural vegetation in High Park with the rail corridors thus strengthening the natural environment in the City. We are supported by West Bend Green Community, an environmental charity, that is authorized by the Canada Revenue Agency to issue tax receipts for all charitable donations.
How long has your group been active and what have you done lately?
Some of our members, involved with the West Bend Community Association, started native plantings in the railside garden in 2000. That garden was destroyed in 2015 by Metrolinx in order to facilitate construction of a new rail line and wall on the eastern edge of the property. Following this we have regrouped, rehabilitated the garden and have now replanted with native and non native plants. One member of the group, Sharon, has been active in planting natives along the TTC right of way along Edna avenue between Indian Road and Dorval Road for 5 years or so. In 2019 we rehabilitated the Dorval Garden. That garden is on top of a TTC train garage. The garden had been destroyed when TTC rehabilitated the roof of the garage. TTC had restored the site with non native plants that become overgrown and dominated by invasive plants. In 2020, we restored the site with all native species with funding from Landscape Ontario. Other members have built gardens along area sidewalks. In 2021 we mulched the Keele Stn North garden and in early 2022 we received a grant from PollinatorTO for the site. In May 2022 we had a community planting day. For 2023, we will plant the Keele Stn SE garden. We have mulched the site and have received a generous donation that will facilitate a planting in May 2023. We are constantly looking for new opportunties. Can you help us find some?
Does your group have a constitution?
No. We are operating as an informal grouping. Once the pandemic is over, we will consider a formal structure. We are registered Ontario charity and are registered with Revenue Canada to issue tax receipts for all donations received. Our charitable registration number is 71052 0289 RR0001. Please consider making a donation to West Bend Green Community to help brighten up the neighbourhood.
What are your objectives?
To promote plants that provide greater support to the natural ecosystem in our West Bend neighbourhood. To create a supportive environment in West Bend that will create a pathway of natural plantings linking the efforts of the High Park Stewards in High Park, with those developing habitat for swallowtail butterflies in the area south of Bloor as well as linking all of the areas with the rail corridors to the east of West Bend.
Are your activities approved by the City of Toronto?
We have permits to carry out gardening in all of city owned boulevards listed on this website. Our plantings are adjacent to public walkways, on public lands, support pollinators and use mostly native plants. This is consistent with and fully supportive of city policies as set out in the PollinateTO website.
Is there a fee to become a member?
No fees. Just contribute ideas and participate on approved public property or your own property
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Plants
What is the difference between wildflower and native plants
Wildflowers may include many native plants but not all wildflowers are native plants
Are Native Plants harder to grow than non native plants?
Native plants are perenials. They will grow year after year but may need watering and weed management to get them started and occassionally to sustain them, especially on boulevards that have poor soil. Native plants have a period during the year when they will blossom. For example, Wild columbines flower in early to late May and the blooms last two weeks or so. After that they will stop blooming for the rest of the season. Consequently, there is a need to plant a number of native plants that bloom at different times through the season in order to maintain flower beauty in the garden and attract insects and birds from spring to fall. In our flower section of this website, we showcase flowers that bloom in spring, summer and autumn. Check out our listing as a starting point.
Where can I purchase Native Plants?
Local Loblaw and Canadian Tire have featured native plants in some of its plant sale areas in the past two years. You can find many excellent nurseries on the web if you google native plants.
When can I plant Native Plants?
You have options. You can grow them from seeds starting in February or so. You can also plant potted plants bought in stores or nurseries in the spring or fall. You can plant in summer as well but watering may be required in the first year to get the plants started in the hot, dry summer weather.