As temperatures dip below freezing and the first snowfalls arrive, gardening may seem like a distant activity. However, winter is actually the perfect time to plant native seeds, and the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) is helping to make it easier for residents to grow native plants by hosting a series of seed giveaways across the city.
Many common backyard plants, such as lavender, creeping jenny, goutweed, and Norway maple, are not native to Ontario. In fact, a 2023 report by the Governor General of Ontario revealed that 52 percent of invasive plant species introduced in Canada were brought in for landscaping or ornamental purposes.
In addition to their potential to spread uncontrollably, non-native plants can harm local biodiversity. Replacing them with native species can support local wildlife, including bees and butterflies, while also thriving in the region’s soil and climate conditions.
Although spring may seem like the time to start planting, now is actually the best time to sow native seeds. According to OWSL, many native plants require a cold-moist stratification process, where seeds must experience both cold and warm temperatures to break their outer shells and begin to sprout. This natural cycle is provided by the winter and spring seasons. To help with this, gardeners must winter sow these seeds.
Winter sowing is simple: gardeners can plant seeds in pots with drainage holes, cover them, and place them outside to endure the seasonal temperatures. Detailed instructions are available on the OWSL website.
For those looking to start their native plant garden, OWSL is offering free seeds at several giveaways across Ottawa. Last year, OWSL distributed native seeds to 800 individuals, schools, and community projects. In early 2024, another 2,000 seeds from 200 different native species were mailed to residents.
Upcoming giveaways include one in Alta Vista on Nov. 30 at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, followed by events at the Tom Brown Arena in Hintonburg on Dec. 7 and the Beaverbrook Centre in Kanata on Dec. 21. For those unable to attend, the OWSL offers the option to have seeds mailed directly to them.
By planting native species now, Ottawans can help restore the local ecosystem while beautifying their gardens.
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