Autumn, typically associated with harvest season, is being touted by a horticulturist from Metro Vancouver as an opportune time to begin cultivating native plants. Shayla Chalifoux, a St’át’imc, Nêhiyaw, and mixed European descent, highlighted the warm soil post-summer combined with ample rainfall as conducive conditions for plant growth. Founder of Shaylish Plants, Chalifoux has been instrumental in promoting the inclusion of native plants in British Columbia’s landscape architecture, municipalities, and organizations through various initiatives.
Contrary to popular belief that spring is the prime planting season, Chalifoux pointed out that many native plants thrive during the fall, such as sweetgrass and camas bulbs. Sweetgrass, known for its ceremonial and smudging purposes, can be found near bodies of water and wet meadows. Additionally, camas bulbs, likened to sweet potatoes, serve as a traditional food source for several First Nations communities in B.C.
Despite the ecological significance of native plants, Chalifoux noted a lag in education regarding their utilization in urban settings. She emphasized the importance of incorporating native plants into city landscapes, citing their role in supporting biodiversity and ecological balance. While progress is being made, Chalifoux highlighted the absence of policies in many municipalities mandating the integration of native plants in urban planning.
British Columbia boasts unparalleled plant biodiversity in Canada, with over 2,500 native vascular plant species alongside numerous lichens, mosses, and fungi. Chalifoux encouraged individuals to contribute to land conservation by planting native species in their balconies and gardens, emphasizing the critical role these plants play in nurturing local ecosystems.
In response to inquiries about native plant policies in urban planning, the City of Vancouver disclosed ongoing efforts by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to enhance the presence of native flora in city spaces. Considerations include factors like maintenance, resilience, and canopy cover, with consultation extended to local First Nations. Noteworthy initiatives include the integration of Pacific yew in the Stanley Park Restoration project based on feedback from Indigenous communities, as well as the provision of native plants for ecological restoration in Vancouver parks through collaborations with non-profits and community groups.
