Native Gardening
Plants native to Parkland County and surrounding areas are well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and provide habitat, food, and nesting materials for native pollinators and other wildlife. Native plants make a beautiful addition to any garden and tend to require little maintenance, water, and fertilizer once established. Using native plants in your garden or landscaping improves biodiversity and climate resilience.
When choosing which native plant to grow, consider:
- Light exposure
- Water requirements
- Soil type
- Size and spacing
Choosing plants with similar light and water needs that vary in height, size, shape, colors, and bloom time guarantees beauty and provides habitat and food for pollinators throughout the season.
Grow a Pollinator Garden |
Planting native gardens provides native bees and other pollinators with food and habitat. Pollinator gardens should include a diversity of flowering plants of different shapes, colors, sizes, and bloom times. Double-check wildflower mixes to ensure they do not contain invasive weeds. Recommended wildflowers include:
For a full list or for more information, visit Native Plant Resources — Alberta Native Bee Council. |
Grow a Drought-Tolerant Garden |
Due to changes in the climate, the risk of drought in Parkland County is expected to increase. Planting drought-tolerant native species can help your garden thrive while contributing to water conservation. Drought-tolerant plants include:
For a full list, see: Native Roots: Drought Tolerant Native Plant Species for the Alberta Region (resilientrurals.com) |
Grow a Flood-Tolerant Garden |
As the climate changes, rainfall events are expected to become more unpredictable and intense. Prepare your garden for heavy rain and flooding by planting these flood-tolerant species:
For a full list, see: Native Roots: Flood Tolerant Native Plant Species for the Alberta Region (resilientrurals.com) |
Native Trees and Large Shrubs |
Flood-tolerant trees:
Drought-resistant trees:
*Susceptible to black knot disease. |
Large-scale Landscaping |
Looking to grow native plants on agricultural lands or large properties? AWES Native Agroforestry Species Database provides information on the growth characteristics and site preferences of native trees and shrubs. This tool is intended to help landowners and managers select well-adapted, functional species for agroforestry projects such as shelterbelts, Eco-Buffers, riparian buffers, woodlot enhancements, alley cropping, silvopasture, or food forests. Parkland County exists in the Parkland and Boreal natural regions. Additionally, the City of Edmonton has recommendations on native perennials for acreages/large properties. |
General Gardening Tips
Gardening and Water Conservation |
To maximize water conservation:
For more ways to conserve water, see Water Conservation - Parkland County. |
Gardening and FireSmart |
The risk of wildfires is expected to increase in Parkland County due to changes in the local climate. Keep your property safe by integrating FireSmart Landscaping:
Characteristics of fire-resistant plants: • Moist, supple leaves For more information, see Yard and Landscaping | FireSmart Canada |