Why Shadeland?

Natural systems are complex, and the details matter.

We work with native ontario plants that have co-evolved with our native fungi, vertebrates, and invertebrates/microbes for thousands of years. Species in our ecosystems depend on one another for survival, including human beings. Without native plants that support our insect populations, we risk losing our songbirds and other native species of vital importance. Biodiversity loss can have cascading and devastating consequences, including threatening our food security, access to clean water, and increasing zoonotic disease transmission to humans. The good news is that by working with us to create native plant gardens and minimize disturbances to your soil microbiome, you can help curb the worst effects of biodiversity loss, all while creating a beautiful outdoor haven on your property.

A barren, poorly maintained garden with compacted soil.

Conventional Landscaping Does More Harm Than Good.

2 stroke equipment, invasive tillage, and non-native plants can cause damage beyond property lines.

One study found that “using a two-stroke gas-powered leaf blower for 30 minutes produces pollutants equal to those generated by driving a Ford F150 truck 3,900 miles, or as far as from Texas to Alaska.” (Kavanagh, 2011). 2 stroke gas-powered equipment is bad for the environment and our health, and excessively noisy for anyone within 500 meters of the job site. We pride ourselves on using only electric tools in the garden.

Beyond The Garden

The choices we make on our properties have real consequences for our animal friends.

References

Bulgarelli D., Schlaeppi K., Spaepen S., van Themaat E.V.L., and Schulze-Lefert P. 2013. Structure and functions of the bacterial microbiota of plants. Annu. Rev. Plant Biol. 64(1): 807–838.
Kavanagh, J. (2011, December 6). Leaf Blower’s emissions dirtier than high-performance pick-up Truck’s, says Edmunds’ insideline.com. Edmunds. https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/leaf-blowers-emissions-dirtier-than-high-performance-pick-up-trucks-says-edmunds-insidelinecom.html
Koziol L, McKenna TP, Bever JD. Native Microbes Amplify Native Seedling Establishment and Diversity While Inhibiting a Non-Native Grass. Plants (Basel). 2023 Mar 6;12(5):1184. doi: 10.3390/plants12051184. PMID: 36904044; PMCID: PMC10005557.
Respiratory Health Association. (2020, October). Leaf blowers leave Lungs vulnerable. resphealth.org. https://resphealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Gas-Powered-Leaf-Blowers-Leave-Lungs-Vulnerable.pdf