East Side Native Plant Garden

The area between Lake Appert and the Allendale Brook that is a short distance north of the Pirie-Mayhood Tower was overgrown with invasive Autumn Olive shrubs until the Fall of 2023 when a team of Fyke Nature Association volunteers systematically removed them by the hundreds, digging them up by the roots.

This area was replanted with deer resistant native species in the spring of 2024. Over the spring and summer the volunteers frequently worked in the garden, watering and weeding. Everyone was invited to come and see up close how the garden is growing at an Open House hosted on July 20.

An additional planting was added in late September, including Swamp Sunflower, Cardinal Flower, Lizards Tail, and New York Aster.

The area is enclosed by a temporary deer fence until the plants get established. If all goes well, the plants will be hardy and be able to survive the deer browsing when the fence is removed.

Notice the small colored flags distributed throughout the area that were placed as part of the spring planting. Each color corresponds to a different plant. The flags identify the species as shown in the color-coded table.

You can view images of each species here.

You can find information about the plants here.

The plants and their location in the garden were all selected based on the amount of sunlight and the moisture level. The plant beds exposed to sunlight are protected with Arborist Wood Chips. The benefits of these chips are explained here.

You can watch a volunteer explain what we are doing here.

If you would like to help out with this project, please provide your contact information on our Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

You can also show your support by joining us as members of the Fyke Nature Association.