Native Plant Garden Tour at the South Nepean Muslim Centre

At the SNMC, members have converted grassy parts of a grassy/weedy landscape into pollinator-friendly garden spaces, using both Ontario native and non-invasive exotic plants to support pollinators and other wildlife. This is an attempt to support ecological biodiversity.

In September 2021, community volunteers created the first garden in a 180-foot bed along the main entrance off Woodroffe Ave. In summer 2022, they planted flowers in a waste space at the back of the property. The most recent project, in fall 2023, was the conversion of a large parking lot median into a thriving garden of perennials and grasses.

These gardens survive on rainfall and are hardly ever hand-watered.

At the tour, Najeeb Siddiqui will tell us about their experience, challenges, and lessons learned so far.

Bee researcher Lydia Wong will also be on hand to identify pollinators and explain their habits and needs.