Gardens
The gardens of the Ellis Bird Farm bring delight and wonderment to all visitors, whether they be two legged, four legged, feathered or finned. Throughout the site you will find a variety of themed gardens. Each garden has been designed to attract certain wildlife species and/or to showcase specific gardening principles. Situated within the undulating land of the original farmstead site, the gardens intermingle amongst wetlands, woodlands and historic farm buildings. They create a rich and layered garden tapestry.
The Ellis Bird Farm gardens are tended to using sustainable and organic practices. It is our goal to teach and inspire others to consider biodiversity in their own yards and gardens by adopting some of our gardening principles and choosing plants that will attract native pollinators and other wildlife.
Naturescaping
The Ellis Bird Farm site is being developed to showcase the principles of NatureScaping. NatureScaping is about increasing biodiversity and conserving species. It is about nurturing both ourselves and the wild creatures that we share our outdoor living space with. It is about becoming good stewards of nature. It is about creating habitat. For more information about NatureScaping, we recommend NatureScape Alberta: Creating and caring for wildlife habitat at home (available in the EBF Gift Shop or available online – see Resources page for details)
Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden exists in a sheltered microclimate, protected from all but the harshest winds and bathed by sun for most of the day. It is an ideal site for attracting butterflies as well as visitors, all of whom enjoy the warmth and light of this lush and colourful bed. The plants within this garden provide nectar for feeding butterflies and/or are host plants on which butterfly larva feed.
Hummingbird Garden
Designed to attract hummingbirds, this garden contains many plants that hummingbirds will frequent for both nectar and the small insects these plants attract. Plants are a healthier option than sugar water, so we are continually trailing new annuals, perennials and vines to help build a library of hummingbird-attracting plants.
Xeriscape Garden
Water is essential for the garden and for life itself. The xeriscape garden provides an example of a water-wise garden. Within this garden are plants that require minimal water. It also showcases techniques which make the most of water when it is applied to the garden.
Indigenous Bed
This large bed showcases many of the beautiful plants which are indigenous to the Canadian prairies. Planted in large masses, they provide nectar for pollinators as well as seeds and berries for the birds.
Water Garden
This impressive demonstration water garden is a magnet for birds as well as other wildlife. It is also enjoyed by our visitors. This water garden was designed to illustrate a variety of edgings (from beach to rock) and boasts an upper pond, stream and waterfall. The water garden is surrounded by a large perennial bed which includes an alpine and bog garden.
Memorial Apple Orchard
This new orchard has been planted in honour of the Ellis family’s effort to grow apples for their own consumption as well as for the birds.
Old Orchard Woods
Once a fruit orchard, this wooded area is now filled with a diversity of mature trees. Some were planted by the Ellis family and many planted by the birds. We have allowed this area to become a mix of live and dead wood providing habitat for a diversity of creatures. The dark shaded path through the woods is a welcome retreat on hot summer days.
|
