Gardening for wildlife

On our summer strolls around the neighbourhood, we see many beautifully manicured front yard gardens. Some even look as if they come straight out of a magazine.

At times, we come across other gardens that are not so picture-perfect. We have come to appreciate that they are like that on purpose and are the work of mindful gardeners. Incorporating native flowers, shrubs and trees, those gardens are friendly to pollinators and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

In the past, we had paid little attention to this type of gardening, however, we now have the time and interest to learn more. Ottawa is home to the remarkable Fletcher Wildlife Garden (FWG). This public treasure is open year-round and free of charge. We love to visit it and immerse ourselves in the beauty and the fundamentals of ecological gardening

The FWG was created in 1990 by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, which was founded in 1863, making it the oldest natural history club in Canada. The mission of the Club is to raise awareness and appreciation of the natural environment through field trips, public talks and publications.

The Club’s mission is increasingly important, given the threat to many native plant and animal species associated with the shrinkage of natural habitat and the use of pesticides and herbicides. The FWG is a practical way for the Club to demonstrate and teach the public how to turn urban gardens into more wildlife-friendly spaces.

The FWG is named after James Fletcher (1852-1908), an interesting Englishman and a self-taught naturalist with an insatiable curiosity. While in the employ of a bank, he was transferred to Canada in 1874.

Fortunately for us, Mr. Fletcher followed his passion rather than his pension once he settled in Ottawa. He joined the Entomological Society of Ontario and continued to learn and deepen his knowledge of the field. He ended up becoming Chief Entomologist and Botanist at the Central Experimental Farm soon after it was established in 1886.

There are seven sections in the FWG that showcase specific yet complementary aspects of an optimal ecosystem for wildlife: a large water feature (the amphibian pond); an area of dense vegetation where small wildlife can thrive (the ravine); a wildflower area inhabited by all sorts of pollinators (the butterfly meadow); different types of wooded areas (a young evergreen wood and a mature woodlot); and an open and naturalized space, previously farmed, where birds and small animals can build their homes (the old field).

Finally, there is a demonstration space called the backyard garden. The backyard garden has elements of all the other sections at work together in one area. There, you will find trickling water, an array of colourful and fragrant flowers, tree-lined paths, and an abundance of lively residents (butterflies, bees, birds, squirrels and chipmunks). Meticulous signage provides the names of all the native plants and flowers best suited to diverse light and soil conditions.

The FWG also has an interpretive centre. Free brochures are available that provide guidance on a variety of topics, such as creating a garden that is butterfly friendly, or welcoming to birds. There is even one on how to build a backyard pond. There are detailed maps of the FWG trails (available online) that identify native trees, shrubs, and flowers in the garden.

There are several benches along the trails where one can rest, take in the view, and watch the goings on. It is a wonderful place to while away part of a day.

While we know that there are other public wildlife gardens elsewhere, we hope our short video tour will allow you to get a feel for the one closest to us.