Replacing your lawn can be beneficial to you, your health, and the environment. Consider this year changing an area of lawn to some alternative landscape options such as groundcover, herb lawn, or wildflower meadow bulb garden.
The first question is, how much lawn do we need? What areas do you need for playing games, picnics, traffic routes, play sets, and sitting areas to enjoy our gardens? Our mown areas are usually greater than we ever use and are often in areas that are hard to maintain such as under trees, slopes, and on septic tile beds.
There are several options available as alternatives to mown grass:
• Groundcovers/herb lawn
• Wildflower meadows
• Woodland garden with bulbs under shady trees or mulch carpet
Groundcovers are an excellent option as plants that spread by runners will fill an area faster than single or clump-forming plants. It is advised to choose ground cover on leaf texture and color. Evergreen groundcovers look green all year round and offer protection from soil erosion. Groundcovers are excellent for dry shady sites, shaded slopes, sunny areas, and areas difficult to mow. As groundcovers have a dense growth habit, it restricts weed growth. Soil preparation is essential for optimum ground cover establishment and growth. Remove sod, till deeply, and add organic amendments. Place plants 6-10” apart.
Moist Shade – Bloodroot (N), Bunchberry (N), Ginger (N), Wintergreen (N), Mayapple
A wildflower meadow will attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Be aware that the species and varieties of plants will enhance the biodiversity of the meadow, so native varieties are encouraged. It is advised to start small when planning a meadow. Choose an area where you can observe and enjoy the wildlife activity. Grasses form the structure of a meadow planting. Meadows are suitable for sloped areas also, especially dry sun locations.
A woodland area can be created under existing mature trees where grass is difficult to grow. Woodland Bulb Gardens provide an aesthetic in areas where it is difficult to get grass or plants to grow. Spring bulbs are our first signs of Spring, in bloom before the leaves appear and multiply year after year. Also as mowing begins, you can trim them back and return organic matter into the soil, benefitting soil and bulb.
Bulb Options - Crocus, Snowdrop, Hyacinth, Daffodils, Scilla.
Lawns are very dominant and consume resources and are expensive to maintain. The options above offer alternatives to our traditional lawn, and provide localized solutions to problem areas while also enhancing biodiversity on our properties.
Register for 10 free native plants at parklanelandscapes.ca/shorelinegreening-project and join us at our yard 250 Matchedash Street South from 4-7 pm to collect your free plants, learn about rain gardens, and pollinator gardens, and enjoy a fun afternoon of free events.
Dry Full Sun – Bearberry (N), Viola(N), Sedum, Thyme, Wild Strawberry (N) Prairie Smoke (N)
Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello
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Istarted writing in a gratitude journal a couple years ago and I was blown away with how something so simple could make such a big difference in my life. Each day, the journal gives you the same little prompts, and one of them is to write down 3 things you are grateful for. When I first started writing things down, I would put things like ‘My family’, ‘My health’, ‘My career’ - but these all seemed very broad. I felt like I was going through the motions and didn’t feel like I was connecting to what I was writing down at all.
So, I became more in tune with who I was inside, diving deeper into the details of what it was I was truly grateful for.
Now, I often write about things like how grateful I am for opportunities and my ability to spot them. For the bravery to try and achieve them regardless of whether or not I feel qualified. I’m grateful for the supportive people I have surrounded myself with in
recent years. I’m grateful for the love my family gives each other. I am grateful for Jiun, for always striving to be the best version of himself and for inspiring me to do the same. I’m grateful for my kids who encourage me to add more fun and silliness into our lives.
The list truly is endless and I am excited each day to take a moment to sit down and reflect on the things in life that often go unrecognized. As someone who can easily become overwhelmed by negativity in the world, this small activity has allowed me to maintain a more positive mindset and outlook on life each day. It gives me that moment of pause in our chaotic lives to appreciate what is around me, and for that, I am also grateful.
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HOURS: Mon. – Thurs. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lynne Hollingsworth grew up in Toronto, and studied at the Ontario College of Art and the University of Toronto, with an additonal experience at Teachers’ College. She and her husband Darryl have lived in Muskoka since 1986, and moved to the Orillia area in 2017.
Creative endeavours have always been Lynne’s main focus and her love of art continues to be her driving force. While living near Huntsville, Ontario, she pursued this as a member of Muskoka Arts and Crafts, and the Huntsville Art group for several years, participating in many fundraisers as well. Her work has been displayed in many venues and she is currently looking for gallery representation while working from her home near Washago.
She and her husband Darryl share a love of music as well. Darryl has been a popular singer/entertainer in Muskoka since performing regularly at numerous resorts, beginning with Muskoka Sands, (now Taboo), The Highwayman chain, then more resorts such as Deerhurst, The Royal York in Toronto, the Bo Peep restaurants in Toronto, Lumina, Grandview, Clevelands House, Pinelands, casinos, opera houses, fairs, churches and so on. Lynne learned how to play the Djembe hand drum to accompany her husband and enjoys playing it to this day.
The Muskoka Magazine did an article about Lynne’s art and music some time ago. She was looking different with her black hair then.
Her family also created a professional puppet show which performed at many resorts and fairs all over the area, and for years was a popular addition to venues from private parties, malls, churches, fall fairs and so on.
Her paintings range from landscape to still life, figurative to impressionist and her paintings have been shipped as far away as Australia. She works mostly in acrylic now but has used oils, watercolours and pastels as well.
Delighted that her works both inspire and comfort, invoking peaceful thoughts in this troubled world, which is just one of the reasons artists create, she continues to stretch her skills and her vision.
Her social media presence acts as her main platform for her paintings. You can see her work on her website, http://www.lynnephollingsworth.com, and she has a Facebook page and profile, as well as her participation on Instagram and other platforms.
This spacious bungalow is nestled amidst the Muskoka rock on the shores of the Severn River. A lovely open concept living area leads onto a spacious deck where you will enjoy your panoramic water views. Fabulous kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, main floor laundry, gas fireplace, forced air furnace, central air. Detached garage 24’4 x 20’4 includes workshop. Beautiful private lot is over a half-acre and gently slopes towards 94 feet of river frontage on the Trent Severn Waterway near Lock 42 for all your aquatic adventures and endless water fun!
Asking $879,900
MLS#40563388
Sales Representative
Representative
705-325-1366 or 1-800-498-8775
705-325-1366 or 1-800-498-8775
www.leah-cavanagh.c21.ca | leah@leahccavanaugh.ca
www.leah-cavanagh.c21.ca | leah@leahccavanaugh.ca
Serving Orillia & District
Serving Orillia & District Leah C. Cavanaugh
Should you wish a confidential consultation on your Real Estate needs, please allow me to put my 20+ years of knowledge & experience to work for you. Call or email me anytime leah@leahccavanaugh.ca
This advertisement is not intended to solicit property for sale or buyers under contract
Saturday May 18th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 3332 Muskoka Street (White Church)
Perennials
Hostas
Grasses
Herbs
kind support over the years has allowed us to continue renovations to the Washago Community Gardens, purchase annuals and new perennials.
May is the month at The Conservancy. Migration is in full swing as beautiful, diverse species make their way back to their breeding grounds for summer, volunteers are springing into action monitoring the health of these populations. The Passport to Nature has launched (on Earth Day of course) and we are preparing for our biggest community fundraiser of the year out on the Carden Alvar – the Carden Challenge!
The story of the beautiful Carden Alvar begins some 500 million years ago, when the land we call home was covered by a tropical sea. Millions of Ordovician era seashells over millions of years, were deposited on the sea bottom, through geological process this hardened to limestone. As ages passed and global temperature changed these shallow Paleozoic seas were replaced with glaciers. When the glaciers slowly melted they scrapped away the limestone’s surface making it perfectly flat. So flat it is now referred to as ‘pavement’. This is the foundation of today’s Carden Alvar, a globally rare ecosystem, just past Lake Dalrymple.
After the glaciers receded and Indigenous people embraced life in a freshly revealed southern Ontario there was a plethora of food and fresh water. Culturally important salmon, American eel and wild rice allowed them to thrive for thousands of years in this region.
Springing forward to the time of settlement the alvar pavements wouldn’t yield to a plough, and the immigrants who settled took to
cattle ranching. The large tracts of land devoted to cattle farming meant that grasslands were maintained, making it an ideal spot grassland for birds to migrate to each spring.
The ebb and flow of spring floods and summer drought means only specific species are able to survive and thrive here. This stop over for migrators, and location of unique flora and fauna make the Carden Alvar a wildlife haven in the spring, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, wild amounts of biodiversity converge, and so too have conservation organizations.
It was in the early 1990’s that conservationists first turned their eye to this globally rare landscape and knew it had to be protected for future generations of humans, plants and animals. Together, The Couchiching Conservancy, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ontario Parks have protected and maintained a wildlife corridor in the region comprised of over 10,000 acres. It is in support of this rare landscape, this massive migration, these unique species and this precious corridor that the Carden Challenge was born.
The Carden Challenge is a 24-hour birding and biodiversity marathon that raises tens of thousands per year to keep protecting this special place. Not only do participants have the joy of 24 hours in the wild, the gratification of protecting invaluable resources in our community but also the fresh wave of exhilaration each time they see one of the hundreds of species they may see in the day. It’s magic.
So, please visit the Carden Alvar – see if for yourself, or our website and support the Carden Challenge, after all, it was 500 million years in the making!
Come by boat,
by car,
Lock 42 Grill is located in Severn Township. We are adjacent to Lock 42 on the Trent Severn Waterway. We are a small Family-owned restaurant o ering a variety of foods and beverages…from fish and chips, burgers, salads, thin crust pizzas and much more. Vegetarian and gluten free options available. We also o er feature dishes throughout the year; mussels, calamari, pastas, soups, chilli, etc. Breakfast served on weekends from 9am to 11:45am. Just a few minutes o HWY 11 (Canal Road exit)
It is gardening season once again and it’s time to clean up those beds and wake them up from their winter slumber. Begin cleaning the beds once the weather consistently warms up above 10 degrees Celsius because there is insect life still sleeping in your garden. It’s always exciting to see which plants are going to pop up first. If you’re considering building a new garden or planning to add to an existing garden bed, make sure you take careful consideration into selecting native perennials. These plants will not only look great in your garden but they’re easy to grow and self sustainable, requiring little maintenance. Native perennial plants are what keeps the bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects thriving. They don’t live long and often don’t travel very far though they’re providing an extremely valuable service in helping grow our food and ensuring each perennial can reproduce each year.
These native insects have evolved centuries ago to search for specific plants that help them survive, reproduce and forage upon, otherwise known as host plants. Don’t be alarmed if you see a caterpillar eating the leaves! They depend highly on the availability of these plants, however a lot of them are disappearing from the local landscape.
The more host plants that you can incorporate into your garden means you are providing high pollinator value and helps slow extinction in a changing climate. Providing better access to these plants also means they don’t have to venture further out and away from their burrows or nesting sites. Imagine walking for 4 hours or more to a grocery store. That’s what it feels like for most bees & butterflies in our area. In Ontario, we have around 400 native bees and more than 100 butterflies that call home to varying habitat needs across the province. Native bees are often smaller in size and aren’t equipped with stingers so there’s definitely no threat of being stung. In fact, most bee stings are likely
from a wasp which are more predatory and protective of their nests but are also a different family of insects. Several species of bumblebees in Ontario are of no threat too. Female bumblebees are equipped with a stinger but they only use it for defense. So as long as you don’t bother them then they will mind their own business (the case for most wildlife). They’re actually fun to watch foraging from flower to flower.
Many gardens across the urban landscape have non-native perennials and annuals. These are plants that require more maintenance because they aren’t from the area and are sometimes harder to grow
or achieve the result you want. They’re often there for aesthetic value rather than ecological value. There’s currently active research being done on what role non native plants can play in a pollinator garden. Early indications are that they can help fill a void between blooming periods for native perennials. This means there can be a consistent food source for pollinating insects even if the quality of nectar isn’t available.
To make an effective pollinator garden be sure to select plants that are blooming at different times throughout the seasons. Keep that “floral restaurant” open from early Spring to late Fall; or as I like to say “breakfast, lunch & dinner”. Avoid using chemical treatments such as herbicide or pesticide products in your garden to combat unwanted growth or pest destruction. This includes mosquito spraying as these target everything that buzzes and flutters. Consult with your local garden centres, horticultural clubs and local gardening gurus for advice on what to go shopping for or tips on plants that will perform well in your yard.
At the end of the year, and also in the Spring, don’t be in such a hurry to clean up debris from the garden. Leave plant stems uncut and avoid raking the Fall leaves before winter. The majority of the native pollinating insects are either ground-nesting or overwinter in narrow plant stems. Be sure not to rip these insulating, protective roofs off their homes and let them winter safely.
Happy gardening!
Matt
Instagram or Facebook, @ardtreanature.
Thomson is a local conservationist based in Severn and enjoys engaging the community through citizen science events & activities. You can find him on
As spring approaches, so does the mighty radish. So often this vegetable is seen as a garnish but with this dish it’s the star. Eat as a main or side dish.
• 2 lbs radishes, washed, ends & tops trimmed. Then cut in half. (Try to find Easter egg radishes that come in white/purple/red- very pretty).
• 2 tbsp olive oil.
• 3 cloves peeled & sliced garlic
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• 3 slices bacon (omit if vegetarian)
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice & zest.
• 1 cup of your favourite store bought hummus.
• Cracked pepper
• Chopped flat leaf parsley
• Warm Oven to 400 degrees.
• After the 2 lbs of radishes are washed, trimmed and cut in half set aside.
• Stack the 3 bacon slices on top of each other and cut the bacon into lardons (medium size strips).
• Place the bacon in an oven proof frying pan and cook over medium heat until half way cooked, approx 5-7 minutes.
• Then toss the radishes in the pan with 2 tbsp of olive oil.
• Add the slivered garlic and mix together.
• Add the springs of thyme on top
• Add the lemon juice & zest and toss together.
• Put the pan in the oven and cook for approx 15-20 minutes until the radishes have a slight colour and are fork tender.
• Spread the hummus on the bottom
• of a bowl or plate making a well for the radish to sit in. Drizzle the hummus with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
• After the radishes are fork tender , pour out the radish & bacon over the hummus. Remove and thyme stems left behind.
• Top the dish with some fresh chopped parsley, as much or little as you like and enjoy.
This dish is also lovely without bacon, adding chickpeas to the pan in place of bacon. You can also add your favourite grain/rice as well. We enjoy using prepared quinoa.
Happy cooking!
Chef Melanie
Chef Melanie is the owner of Eclectic Café and Catering in Orillia. They use high quality seasonal ingredients from local farmers to produce their amazing dishes.
As May unfolds, bringing with it longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better time to dive into a captivating book and let your imagination soar. Whether you’re lounging in the sunshine or seeking refuge from a passing spring shower, here are some of the best books to read in May 2024, spanning various genres and interests.
Perfect for garden enthusiasts and those craving heartwarming fiction, this novel follows the journey of a young widow as she discovers solace and joy in an unexpected community garden project.
Science fiction fans won’t want to miss this thrilling adventure from the author of “The Martian.” Follow astronaut Ryland Grace as he embarks on a daring mission to save humanity, armed with only his wits and a mysterious alien spacecraft.
Blending elements of fantasy, mystery, and academia, this debut novel has been generating buzz among readers. Join six ambitious magicians as they compete for coveted spots in an elite magical academy, navigating intrigue, betrayal, and the lure of forbidden knowledge.
From the author of “Daisy Jones & The Six” comes a mesmerizing tale set against the backdrop of 1980s Malibu. Dive into a world of glamour, fame, and family drama as the Riva siblings prepare for their annual end-of-summer party, where secrets will be revealed and destinies will collide.
In this thought-provoking essay collection, bestselling author John Green reflects on the human experience and our impact on the planet. Through poignant and humorous reviews of various aspects of modern life, Green invites readers to contemplate the beauty and complexity of existence.
Described as “Gossip Girl” meets “Get Out,” this gripping YA thriller explores themes of privilege, power, and identity. When anonymous messages threaten to expose dark secrets at an elite private school, two students must join forces to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
For readers craving a genrebending literary experience, “Sorrowland” delivers a haunting and unforgettable journey. Follow Vern, a young woman escaping captivity in a religious compound, as she navigates a dangerous wilderness and confronts her own extraordinary abilities.
With a diverse array of titles to choose from, there’s something for every reader to enjoy this May. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and let the pages transport you to new worlds, illuminate new perspectives, and inspire your imagination. Happy reading!
We love to get out and explore! Our region has so many special and unique places. It’s my dream to get out and explore them all!
One special place this Villager would like to highlight is Speaking of Wildlife in Severn. This wildlife education centre was established in 1989 in Muskoka which operated out of the Muskoka Wildlife Centre. For many years, this was the primary leader in educational outreach for Ontario wildlife. In 2013, the centre closed, prompting the very dedicated and passionate staff to take over Speaking of Wildlife independently and relocating to Severn. Krystal Hewitt has taken up the helm and has continued the legacy of Speaking of Wildlife, along with several loyal staff and volunteers.
Speaking of Wildlife’s focus is on wildlife education. They host educational school programs, birthday parties, special events, community displays and tables and tailor programs to serve just about every audience! They also host many programs on-site such as their annual Hoot ‘n’ Howl at Halloween, Christmas Tree tours, Photography Events, and guided, private tours. Revenue from these efforts support the ongoing care of the animal residents at Speaking of Wildlife.
I have had the privilege of visiting the centre location for the Hoot ‘n’ Howl in the evening leading up to Halloween. It was so fun to see the animals at night and learn interesting facts about the species! I have also seen a school presentation and attended several community pop-ups. If there’s a community event, Speaking of Wildlife will probably be there! They have a heart for our community and a passion for animals. The centre is also home to several non-releasable Ontario wildlife, providing opportunities to educate audiences about the species and how to protect them. The animals are very well-cared for and genuinely loved by the staff.
Speaking of Wildlife greatly benefits from community involvement and contributions. There are so many ways our community can support the work being done there:
Donations of fresh produce, fresh or frozen meat,
Contributions of cleaning supplies such as dish soap, vinegar and dish detergent
Financial giftings or shopping their Amazon Wishlist
Volunteer your time at the centre for workbees and special projects
• Shop their online store, featuring adorable stuffies, clothing, assorted swag and art work, created by the animal artists, themselves!
Some children have hosted birthday parties with an emphasis on gifts for their furry friends, instead of themselves! They occasionally have specific requests, such as when their fridge broke, and the community comes through time and time again! Following along on the social media pages allows for updates and different ways to help out as needs arise!
If you are interested in supporting them in a tangible way, you can connect with Krystal via email to arrange a drop-off of items- info@ speakingofwildlife.ca. She is very conscious of waste and wants food items especially to be utilized to benefit the wildlife residents.
To learn more about Speaking of Wildlife, check out their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram- @speakingofwildlife. You can also see the full list of programs and services on their website- speakingofwildlife. ca. Whether you’re looking for an outing, trying to come up with a unique birthday party idea, or find a meaningful way to contribute to our community, Speaking of Wildlife is the next place on your list to check out as you continue your Villager Ventures!
May 3, 202411 am, 2 pm
May 4, 202411 am, 2 pm Leacock Museum, Orilllia, Ontario
The Story of Agnes Butler Leacock Mini Exhibit and Tour.
Stephen Leacock’s real-life mother, Agnes Butler Leacock, was a force to be reckoned with. Agnes’s life tells the tale of a strong, independent woman with a very interesting backstory. Agnes spent much time at the Leacock summer home at Old Brewery Bay during her life and even had her own room in the household.
To help celebrate this mini-exhibit, the Leacock Museum will be providing tours and a reading of “How We Kept Mother’s Day.”
with the Orillia Silver Band
May 4, 2024
8:00 pm
St. Paul’s Centre, Orillia. Excursions Concert
The Orillia Silver Band invites you to explore the world of music through travel.The concert, under the direction of Neil Barlow, is a wonderful collection of compositions depicting life from all around the world.
Concert tickets are available from the Orillia Silver Band website www. orilliasilverband.com and at the door. For more information: Earle Birt
Orillia Silver Band 905.464.2636
18 The Villager | May 2024
2024 OUTDOOR ARTISAN SPRING MARKET
May 4-5 & 11-12 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Quayle’s Brewery
Qualye’s Annual Spring Market returns! Explore 50 unique local vendors each weekend, tour the hops farm, and enjoy some delicious grub in our beer garden.
Shop | Drink | Eat | Play
LIVE MUSIC AT RAWLEY RESORT
Rawley Resort, Spa and Marina
2900 Kelly’s Road Port Severn, Ontario
Sat. May 4: Shawn Mei from 6-9 pm
Sat. May 11: Mark Stewart from 6-9 pm
Sun. May 12: Mark Stewart from 6-9 pm
Sat. May 18: Shawn Mei Trio from 6-9 pm
Sat. May 25: Mark Stewart from 6-9 pm
HIKE FOR HOSPICE
May 5 @ 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Barnfield Pt. Rec. Centre
500 Atherley Road Orillia, ON
ANDRE-PHILLIPE GAGNON
May 9 @ 7:30 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium
1 West Street North Orillia, Ontario
Andre Philippe Gagnon is the number one singing impressionist in the world today. Known as “the man of a thousand voices”, he has played to sold-out audiences around the world.
ORILLIA CONCERT BAND PRESENTS
“FRANK SINATRA COMES HOME TO ORILLIA!”
May 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
St. Paul’s Centre
62 Peter St. North Orillia, Ontario
Prices:
Adults – $25
Seniors (60+) – $20
Post Secondary Students – $15
Youth (5-18) – $10
Children under 5 free
Doors open at 6:30 and refreshments (beer, wine & soft drinks) and snacks can be purchased from the bar in the lobby preshow and at intermission.
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE!
May 15 @ 6:30 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium
1 West Street North Orillia, Ontario
DEREK SEGUIN – NAP. LAUGH. REPEAT!
May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium
1 West Street North Orillia, Ontario
Comedy super star Derek Seguin is touring Canada with his hysterical new show to celebrate his 20th year as a professional joke teller.
Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Shag Fog, Chai Tea Latte, Green Tea Latte
Freshly prepared
• Ask for panini press Also PIZZA & SALADS!
• Breads, rolls, pies, butter tarts, squares, muffins, bagels, meat pies and more!
• Enjoy a coffee and sweet take-out.