Welcome to the Inch by Inch, Yard by Yard Campaign, brought to you by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) of Montreal West! Our mission is to transform yards into vibrant, biodiverse ecosystems, one inch at a time. Join us in making a real impact on biodiversity and the environment right from your own backyard.
The campaign encourages residents of Montreal West to replace a portion of their traditional grassy lawn with native and pollinator-friendly plants. Every corner, every inch – every bit counts! Say goodbye to conventional lawns, ecological dead space, and hello to a vibrant tapestry of native flora that supports local wildlife and biodiversity.
Creating your own striking outdoor yard that increases biodiversity can be a rewarding experience that further connects you to the natural world and promotes a sense of environmental stewardship. So why not give it a try and see how you can transform your yard into a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis?
Pollinator-friendly plants are essential because they help pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, moths and bats carry pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction. This process is vital for the growth of many crops and wild plants, directly affecting food production and ecosystem diversity. By offering nectar, pollen, and suitable habitats, these plants support the sustainability of natural and agricultural areas, promoting biodiversity conservation and ensuring a steady food supply for both humans and wildlife.
Come join us for an exciting workshop on rewilding your yard hosted by the EAC at the Town Hall on April 28 at 10 am. Jardin Buzz will be sharing ways to kickstart your journey and make your rewilding a success. Jardin Buzz will provide garden designs to help get you started, whether you have a shaded area, a sunny spot, a partially shaded space, or even if you’re gardening in containers! The workshop is absolutely free and no registration is required to attend. Those who attend will be entered into a draw for prizes: three mature indigenous plants, and two free one-hour professional gardening consultations. Kids will have a mini-workshop to create their own seed bombs for the garden and there will be a free native plant seedling giveaway!
Date: April 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Montreal West Town Hall
Once you’ve taken the plunge to begin transforming your yard, share your progress by submitting your pictures to us. Your name will be added to a draw for a chance to win amazing prizes, including:
To be eligible for the contest and prizes, we ask that you replace a portion of your traditional grassy lawn with native plants. (See list of native plants below). Ideally your garden would contain at least three native species of plants, and have staggered flowering to provide pollinators plants rich in nectar from spring to autumn! As this may be the plants’ first year in your garden, they may not bloom this season, which is to be expected. The goal is to increase biodiversity and support pollinators – you have taken your first step in this process!
The contest accepts both ground gardens and container gardens, including those on balconies or in planters.
The deadline to submit your pictures is September 15, 2024. Once garden submissions are closed, a draw will take place, participants will be contacted, and prizes will be awarded during the week of September 28, 2024.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference in your own backyard and beyond. Let’s work together to create greener, healthier communities, one yard at a time.
“We have allowed alien plants to replace natives all over the country. Our native animals and plants cannot adapt to this … Their only hope for a sustainable future is for us to intervene to right the wrongs that we have perpetrated.”
― Douglas W. Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Garden
