Roxborough Park School located on Reid Avenue North in Hamilton received funding from Councillor Merulla's office to naturalise their school grounds. In May 2005, they contacted Green Venture to see if we could help with the design and installation. See photos from this project here.

A variety of native plants wildflowers, grasses, sedges, and shrubs were selected to attract butterflies, birds, and other wildlife to the garden in addition to beautifying the front of the school. Using native plant material will also ensure less watering and maintenance after the garden plants become established.

Since Roxborough was having difficulties with vandalism and theft in other garden areas that they were trying to establish, many small plants, called “plugs”, were selected and all pretty flowers were cut off to make them less attractive to thieves.

Mr. G and Ms. V, with help from their “Green Team” class, participated in establishing the garden area and the results have been terrific. Although vandalism and theft is still occurring, Roxborough Park School will be able to move plants into areas where plants were removed, because so many plants were used and the remaining plants will have grown bigger, will have good root growth and will be well established.

If your school would like to establish your own native garden, please contact Green Venture to discover funding opportunities and for general help.