Native Plant Garden Tour: Westminster United Church

We broke ground in May 2023. Phase I includes small native plant plugs and native plant donations including the four sacred Indigenous plants.  We chose native shade/forest plants because of the large existing elm trees. The development of the garden includes incorporating teachings and ceremonies into the use of the healing garden.  Elder Lorna Standingready provides her guidance and wisdom with every aspect of the garden.  It will be a place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to come in the spirit of reconciliation to heal, reflect, share, listen and build respect and understanding.

The idea for the healing garden came from The National Healing Forest Initiative. In the spirit of reconciliation, the Initiative promotes people and organizations to develop a green space for healing, learning, sharing and reflection about Canada’s history and the legacy of Indian Residential schools.

ETIQUETTE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR GARDEN TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

1. The event will be identified with a Nature Regina yard sign.

2. Don’t pick the seed. Many gardeners would like to save the seed for birds. Seed may be available from Nature Regina.

3. If the site is a private garden ask permission to take photos. Many Volunteers have been showing their yard all day. Don’t outwear your welcome, leave at the time noted on the schedule. Front yards can of course be viewed outside of official garden hours. Put show respect and stay on the public sidewalk. Stick to the pathways unless the garden caretakers say you can walk on the lawn;

4. If its hot remember a water bottle and hat.

5. If you have children, please monitor them. Do not let them run through the garden beds. No pets in the gardens.

6. Be kind and understanding. Using native plants has a different aesthetic, and success is not measured in garden design elements, but in the

number of insects and birds that come to your yard. We have many types of yards from manicured to wild, from newly planted, to well-established.