Want to upgrade your yard, but don’t know where to start? Conservation Halton is offering a series of four free workshops in May to help Milton homeowners create a healthy yard and understand the impact of their yards and neighbourhoods on local water quality. Conservation Halton has assembled a team of experts who will lead you through all the steps at the Milton Homeowners Workshops to creating a gardening plan that is low cost, environmentally friendly and enhances the beauty of your garden and curb appeal. Workshops will include information on stormwater, native species, rain gardens, and low-impact landscaping. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions to our team of experts on all these topics. The free gardening workshops are being held in the Library at the Milton Seniors Activity Centre (500 Childs Drive) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and there will be giveaways at each session. The schedule and topics are:
Getting Started – Thursday, May 7
Find out how the neighbourhood ponds in Milton connect to you and your home at our introductory homeowner workshop. We will also discuss the newest trends in residential landscaping, and how you can use them to help increase curb appeal, save money, and improve the health of our local watershed.
Working with Nature: Selecting the “Right” Plants – Thursday, May 14
Want a diverse garden with more birds and wildlife but less upkeep, watering and mowing? Naturalizing your yard by using native species, organic fertilizers, or a backyard pond may be the perfect solution for you. You will leave this workshop with the inspiration and know-how to make your garden a low-maintenance oasis.
Rain Gardens and Low-Impact Landscaping – Thursday, May 21
At this workshop you will discover how adding a rain barrel or rain garden can be a simple, inexpensive way to direct stormwater away from your home towards your plants, garden, or lawn. Manage stormwater on your property using low-impact techniques that are sure to make your yard the envy of the neighbourhood.
Ask an Expert – Thursday, May 28
Join us for a presentation followed by a question and answer session with a leading stewardship expert. Learn from those who have disconnected downspouts, installed rain barrels, and planted pollinator gardens in urban neighbourhoods like yours. Share your gardening plans and receive free advice on how to accomplish your gardening goals this season.
Please register online at www.conservationhalton.ca/healthyneighboursheds or call 905-336-1158, extension 2324. The Milton Homeowners Workshops are being made possible with the support of the Government of Ontario.
