Byers Carpentry made this wooden arch that will be at the entrance to the garden. Courtesy Photo

MOUNTAIN – North Dundas has joined a unique group of partners designing and building a pollinator garden at Mountain Memorial Park. The garden will be called the Queen Jubilee Garden and will be educational, informative and a great place to visit.

The idea of a pollinator park is being driven by the municipality. Hugh Metcalfe of Natureaide is looking after the actual flowers that will be planted and Chloe Preston will be managing the project.

Meaghan Meerburg director of recreation and culture said that in mid-June, organizers are hoping to open the garden along with students from Nationview Public School.

“We are really hoping that not only will it be a form of education for municipal residents and our visitors but also a beautiful park where people can visit or hold weddings or celebrations. They can use the garden as a backdrop for a wedding ceremony or a family reunion.”

The garden features an archway built by Byers Carpentry.

Meerburg pointed out that the Mountain Station building is available for bookings. The building features a little kitchenette and washrooms.

Municipal staff applied for a Heritage Canada Grant for a project to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. The project is to construct and establish a pollinator garden within the township. The value of the grant is $5,000.

“The Public Works’ department and recreation and culture department jumped on board to aid, assist and support the project,” said Meerburg.

Another idea for the garden would be to put a geocache at or near the garden to attract visitors.

The idea for the project stemmed from a presentation by Hugh Metcalfe to council, regarding the need to establish butterfly pathways and pollinator gardens.

Metcalfe explained, “I will be simply doing all of the planting and getting the plants for the garden. Many of the plants I have grown myself over the winter. I will be putting them in late May or sooner depending on the weather.”

The garden will feature eight to 10 species of native wildflowers.

There will be signage in the garden to help educate visitors about what plants are there and why they are important pollinators.

“There are some species of butterflies and moths that they only use that species of plant, so, if you plant them, we are hoping to attract them,” said Metcalfe.

He said the garden will be a great site for school groups or community groups to visit.

The project proposal included the construction of a horseshoe shaped 800 ft. butterfly garden at the park that will include more than 13 pollinator plant species. The garden will be a multifunctional space that could become a site for educational school trips, social gatherings, or wedding ceremonies.

“We are probably looking at anywhere from 150 to 200 plants.”

This garden will be constructed to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). These requirements include establishing boundaries and accessible pathways.

A council report about the garden stated: “The culmination of the project includes an unveiling ceremony in conjunction with one of Her Majesty’s Jubilee celebrations in 2022.”