Birch Garden

Moving to Montreal, I was lucky to find a home with an enclosed back yard with birch trees and perennial borders: a little forest in the city. The Botanical Garden here is among the best in the world, as remarkable for its educational programming as it is for its biodiversity. All over Montreal and the province are gardens of every kind and size. I wanted to be part of this community that cares about all that grows.

For now, my hope is for a garden welcoming to birds; later, when I add more flowering plants, for butterflies too. Gradually the garden is evolving, with native woodland transplants, flowering plants such as foxglove, columbine, astilbe, and and two young serviceberry trees. Ivy and herbs are in containers. Though the tree canopy is wide, the garden is sunny most of the day in summer. In winter, the snowy garden is undisturbed, with many perches.

The Space for Life project is inspiring, and affirming. We all need to expand space by breathing at least, and making room for a flourishing city. I hope that I can participate.