We, at Paradise, love it when our clients want a naturalized garden! We
recommend this type of garden for many reasons. There are a number of
endangered animals and plants that are native to southern Vancouver
Island and British Columbia. The local ecosystems and microclimates are
fragile, and as more land is developed, it becomes ever-more important
to protect and give back to the land that supports life for all of us.
By choosing a naturalized garden design, you can have a delightful
outdoor space to enjoy, while having the additional satisfaction of
knowing that your yard is benefiting the larger life community.
We propagate and grow many native plants in our private nursery and
supplement these with species from various local nurseries, allowing us
to work from a comprehensive list of plants that will be right at home
in your yard and will require minimal water once established.
For the restoration work we do, Paradise consults with local arborists
and naturalists to get a detailed prescription for the site, and our
services are to then "fill the prescription." This usually involves the
removal of invasive, non-native species, starting with areas of highest
ecological significance. Effective restoration work is a multi-year
process, as the invasive species
will continue to come back year after year, though in fewer numbers
than before. The seeds of invasives can be brought onto the site again
by the wind from a neighbor's yard, or by the local wildlife.
Commitment to the process is very important; if the initial culling of
invasives is not followed-up by subsequent and continued removal in the
following years, the area will suffer serious repercussions, especially
in areas with any broom. Restoration projects are so essential, and the
more land that can be restored, the healthier your site and the
landbase will be.
