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Oakville's Garden of Life lives to promote biodiversity by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 15 | Friday, September 23, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com An Oakville public garden, which promotes the importance of biodiversity, received the prestigious 2016 Honour Award for Landscaping Design from the U.S.-based Perennial Plant Association (PPA). The Garden of Life is located within the Anderson Bridge Parkette at the corner of Rebecca and Forsythe Streets. It was designed by Sean James of Fern Ridge Landscaping in Milton, but is cared for by the membership of the Oakville Horticultural Society (OHS). "We are very proud of this garden," said Catherine Kavassalis, co-president of the OHS. "The PPA is a North American trade association for garden designers and landscape architects, horticultural educators and nursery owners. To have our garden selected as a North American archetype for sustainable gardening is quite an honour." While the OHS has maintained a public garden at the site for decades, the Garden of Life has its roots in the 2010 United Nations General Assembly, which challenged the world to take action to safeguard the biodiversity of life on Earth. The garden was planted in the spring of Catherine Kavassalis, co-president of the Oakville Horticultural Society, speaks during the 2012 official opening of the Garden of Life. | Nikki Wesley/Metroland 2011 with the support of many volunteers, the Region of Halton, the Town of Oakville, Fern Ridge Landscaping, David Hawley and Associates and the Petrie Group. According to the OHS website, the goal was to create a beautiful space that meets the needs of the community while supporting the environment. The original design incorporated more than 40 plant species, most native to Ontario and many indigenous to Halton. Plants were chosen that would thrive on the site without being watered or fertilized. It was designed to provide year-round beauty for area residents while supporting pollinators and area wildlife. Kavassalis said the PPA is not the first group to recognize the "Garden of Life." In 2012, it received the Ontario Horticultural Association's Community Improvement Award. Kavassalis noted as a result of the water main work done in and around the parkette, some plants have been lost. She said once the Region has finished its infrastructure project, restoration work for the garden will be required. "However, with the help of volunteers, the garden will continue to flourish for many years," said Kavassalis. "It is our desire that it serve as a model for water efficient, biodiverse, sustainable gardening. Gardens like this are critical for the preservation of wildlife, the conservation of water and protection of our climate." Celebrating 20 Years Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School MORTGAGES Chosen #1 Montessori School! We have a pool of private money available at great rates. Instant Approval, Fast, Reliable Service by your bank? Turned down Serving you for over 30 years. www.tmdc.ca DIAMOND Licence # 10585 Call: Jim Panasiuk · 9053382222 Mortgage Broker, M08000232 Register today for September Montessori JK or Grades 1, 2, 3 · Enriched Individualized Curriculum · Enhanced French Language Instruction · Comprehensive Music & Phys. Ed. Programs REAL ESTATE Providing professional real estate services from start to finish. Whether you're a First time buyer, Interested in Upsizing or Downsizing, Relocating, New to the Area, or simply looking for a second opinion, we are here for you. STAGinG Julie is a Certified Staging Professional and Full staging is Always FREE Sales Representative Saturday October 1st ­ 10 AM to 2 PM Fall Open House Julie Panasiuk 2379 TRAFALGAR ROAD, UNIT 6 OAKVILLE · 905.257.5955 www.trms.ca admin@trms.ca Sales Representative ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., BROKERAGE Jim Panasiuk Direct: (905) 484 4447 Bus: (905) 338 3737 Fax: (905) 338 7351 juliepanasiuk@royallepage.ca 251 North Service Road West Oakville, ON L6M 3E7 www.firstchoicehomes.ca Direct: (905) 467 4447 Bus: (905) 338 3737 Fax: (905) 338 7351 jim@tmdc.ca