Wildflower Meadows Pilot Project
Consultation has concluded
AND THE WINNER IS...
The community has spoken! Of the five sites suggested for the launch of the Wildflower Meadow Pilot Project, we have a clear winner: Site 2 (south of Northmount Drive).
So what's next?
The City's Parks team will be tilling and seeding over the next few weeks. Staff will be planting a drought tolerant mix of native Alberta wildflowers, both annuals and perennials. Read the table below to learn more about the wildflowers coming to a meadow near you.
EVERLASTING PEA | The everlasting pea is the perennial form of the annual sweet pea. It is a shrubby climber, easy to grow from seed with many delicate flowers, usually in soft pastel shades, blues and purples. Native to the Mediterranean, everlasting peas have become naturalized in North America, having been grown here since the 1700s. |
ECHINACEA | Echinacea is a type of herbaceous flowering plant in the daisy family. It has ten species, which are commonly called coneflowers. Loved by butterflies, birds, and bees, echinacea has brightly-coloured blossoms that enjoy a long flowering season, are easy to grow, and almost thrive on neglect. |
LUPIN | With their colorful spikes, lupins are some of the most popular garden perennials. Lupinus includes hundreds of species, many native to North America. These perennials can grow up to five feet tall and are deer-resistant while their flowers attract many important pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. |
COREOPSIS | Also known as tickseed, coreopsis is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, long-blooming perennial flower with more than 80 varieties. These showy, daisy-like flowers don't have much of a scent, but the foliage has a scent similar to anise. |
GAILLARDIA | Gaillardia is also known commonly as blanket flower in reference to the bright colours reminiscent of the traditional textile patterns of some Indigenous peoples. They are short-lived perennials renowned for their long-lasting mounds of bright flowers that thrive with little to no care. |
SAGE | From medicinal to culinary uses, sage has long been an herb garden staple. Sage flower plants are multipurpose powerhouses with attractive foliage and pretty blooms in summer. This plant is commonly grown for its flavour, but it also makes a tough, shrubby perennial plant with spikes of blue-purple flowers, perfect for your garden. |
PRIMROSE | Primroses belong to a huge genus of more than 430 species, coming in almost any colour imaginable and capable of thriving in a wide range of conditions. |
CLOVER | Clover is a well-known, low-growing perennial commonly found in lawns. People are generally unaware of its presence until it puts out small, white flowers, in late spring, which attract bees. The foliage is trifoliate, meaning "having a three-part leaf" but if you’re lucky, you may spy one with four! |
HYSSOP | Hyssop is native to southern Europe and western Asia, but has naturalized in North America. As early as the seventh century, it was used as a purifying tea and for medicine and its dark green leaves continue to be used in salads, soups, and liqueurs. These hardy perennial plants grow up to three feet tall with woody stems and spikes of pink, red, white, and blue-purple flowers. |
ASTER | Fast-growing perennials, asters flower in response to shortening days, putting on a beautiful display that can bloom from August through October. Daisy-like aster plants get their name from the Latin word for "star.” Some asters reach six feet tall with flowers that are white, pink, purple, lavender, or occasionally blue. |
RUDBECKIA | Sunflower-like rudbeckia are often called black-eyed Susans. Its bright yellow petals and dark center disks rise over broad ovate green leaves with a rough texture are a common sight in natural areas and along roadsides throughout much of North America. The rudbeckia’s ability to self-seed makes it a great choice for abundant wildflower gardens. |
BACKGROUND
The City of Wetaskiwin is launching a Wildflower Meadow Pilot Project this summer. Before planting takes place, we want to hear from you about where the first pilot meadow should be located!
The City of Wetaskiwin Public Works department is looking for ways to streamline maintenance activities and reduce costs. During the 2023 Budget sessions, Public Works brought forward the Wildflower Meadow Pilot Project, which proposed planting wildflowers in areas around the City where crews would typically mow grass in the summer and spring months. There are many benefits to the community by replacing grass with wildflowers, such as:
Lower maintenance costs: Wildflowers require less maintenance than grass, which can lead to cost savings for municipalities. Unlike grass, wildflowers do not need to be mowed as frequently, which reduces labor costs and fuel consumption.
Improved biodiversity: Wildflowers support a greater diversity of insects, birds, and other wildlife than grass does. This can help to support a healthier ecosystem and increase the overall biodiversity of an area.
Enhanced aesthetic appeal: Wildflowers can provide a more visually appealing landscape than grass alone. Wildflower meadows can be particularly beautiful, providing a more natural and diverse palette of colors and textures.
Improved soil quality: Wildflowers have deep roots that can help to improve soil structure and quality. This can lead to better water retention, reduced soil erosion, and improved nutrient cycling.
Increased carbon sequestration: Wildflowers can sequester more carbon than grass, which can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This is because wildflowers have deeper root systems and greater biomass than grass.
Reduced water usage: Wildflowers require less water than grass, which can be beneficial in areas with limited water resources. This can also lead to cost savings for municipalities that pay for water.
Overall, incorporating wildflowers into municipal landscaping can provide numerous benefits, from cost savings to improved environmental outcomes.
Although the project was brought to Council as a business case during 2023 Budget Deliberations, there are no extra expenses allocated for the Wildflower Pilot Project, as costs for the projects should be covered by the existing Parks budget as they cut back on mowing the area selected. Pricing for the seeds is approximately $2,356 to $3,530 per acre.
Tell us where the meadow should be!
The City has identified five potential sites for its pilot wildflower meadow for the community to vote on based on the following:
- There is abundant space and sunlight.
- The ground has good drainage and is relatively level.
- The site is not near any major utility lines.
The Wildflower Meadow Pilot Project poll closed on Friday, April 21 at 11:59 p.m. After a location is chosen by the community, wildflower planting will begin when the weather allows. If the Wildflower Meadow Pilot Project is successful, additional wildflower meadows will replace grass boulevards in the coming years.