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People in Action

Big Seed from Little Bug
by David Smith

I was bitten by a bug while listening to a radio commentary some time before 1975. The announcer was telling his listeners that we, as a province, were failing on our native-plant report card.

That bug planted a seed—the idea to try to change that negative grade. That seed germinated into the founding of Save a Plant. Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Save a Plant's current activities include the propagation of native plants to complement residential landscaping schemes, as well as for eco-restoration purposes and native display gardens.

Native wildflowers in bloom.
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A collection of native wildflowers in Save a Plant's backyard nursery: heartleaf foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) and others.

Since founding Save a Plant, I've been involved in a cornucopia of activities:

  • establishing a native wildflower demonstration garden for the people of Fredericton
  • assisting grade-eight students with setting up a native wildflower garden as part of a school-ground greening programme
  • supplying native trees for ecological restoration venues
  • working with various conservation organizations to educate the public on the need to rethink our landscaping habits.

Interestingly, the Minister of the Environment spoke in Canada's Parliament in spring 2007 about sustainability. I stood up in front of the TV and exclaimed, "This is it!" The light has finally come on, and I have faith that this province will continue to come about. We're already becoming more mindful of what and how we treat our backyards.

Getting folks to "think green" and "think native" is still a work-in-progress, but I enjoy hearing exclamations of delight from native-plant enthusiasts as they learn more about the various species available and the impact they have on the environment when they incorporate native flora into their schemes. That little bug planted a big seed, and New Brunswick is starting to improve its grade!

Rose twisted-stalk, Streptopus lanceolatus.
View larger version.A rose twisted-stalk (Streptopus lanceolatus). The spider on one of the berries is too small to see well here, but it sure chewed a big bite out of that leaf.

Canadian fly honeysuckle, Lonicera canadensis.
View larger version.A Canadian fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) displays its delicate summer berry bloom.

 

Text: Top of page. Illustration of an arrowhead.

About David Smith

David Smith.

David Smith has lived in Fredericton, New Brunswick, all his life. An employer's downsizing prompted a career change for David: he decided to pursue his interest in horticulture, and earned a diploma in Horticulture from the University of Guelph. David's main interest is native species, and he is active in projects and events that promote the ongoing survival of our native habitat as it becomes eroded by continued development.

 

 
 
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