Landscape as Muse

This exclusively Canadian series captured by 291 Film Company documents Canadian environmental artists engaged in the philosophy, process and use of materials in their art.

The selected sites are always captivating and filmed well, some artists/locations are better than others...I guess you could say I was partial to Clayoquot Sound with Fae Logie and Haida Gwaii with Shirley Wiebe. Nice one Knowledge Network.

click for Coastal British Columbia locations

Landscape as Muse | 291 Film Company
Knowledge Network

planning for biodiversity: mixed native hedgerow

The native hedgerow provides structurally diverse habitats that include a mix of vegetation types varying in height and form. This variation in structure provides different types of critical habitats for a variety of native wildlife species. Ecological benefits include natural fertilization of native and domestic plant material, natural pest control, provision of food, shelter and important travel corridors for native species.

planted hundreds of years ago

this native hedgerow winds its way through the English country side.

Set in an urban context, I have been asked to solve a boundary issue while providing visitors an educational opportunity to learn more about the potential of our native flora and fauna.

Below are a few species I am using on the project.

All selected plant materials have been chosen for their suitability to the sites soil and climate conditions, while offering foraging potential for both humans and wildlife.

Crataegus sp.

This thorny, vigorous grower will thrive in any soil and situation. The nectar rich May blossoms attracts 150 insect species, including bees and other pollinators, while the fruits provide food in winter for the local bird population.

Corylus sp.

The Hazel responds well to hard pruning and are known for their prolific nut production and architectural branching structure.

Viburnum opulus

The guelder rose is laden with bright red berries in Autumn and the creamy white flowers are a favorite of the hover fly.

Symphoricarpos albus

Snowberry is unlike almost any other plant in the world. The profusion of white winter berries appear to float lightly in the air and illuminate the space in which they inhabit.

Prunus sp.

Like Crataegus sp. it produces plenty of flowers and fruit to support local wildlife while thriving in neglect.

Mahonia sp.

The evergreen foliage will create shelter for local wildlife during the winter months when cover is scarce. The berries can also be harvested and eaten raw or used in preserves.

Rubus spectabilis

fruit + edible young shoots can be used in salads while attracting an abundance of hummingbirds.


native plant references
Native society of British Columbia NPSBC
www.npsbc.org

The Native Plant Study Group (NPSG) is an affiliate chapter of the Native Plant Society of British Columbia
www.npsg.org

vintage printed matter

I found this treasure of local botanical literature tucked away at a secondhand bookshop here in downtown Victoria.

Printed by Charles F Banfeild, Printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty
1925

The subject matter of the manual was prepared by James R Anderson, veteran naturalist, and one of the leaders among the pioneer botanists of British Columbia.

10 meadow wildflowers of British Columbia

On a walk this morning I passed a neighbours garden that has naturalized with Dodecatheon hendersonii and Erythronium oreganum, a striking example of our native wildflower meadow. For me this image evokes a sense of complete balance and was the influence behind today's post.

image Christian Barnard

1. Dodecatheon hendersonii - Henderson's shooting star
Inhabits moist to wet meadows, grassy bluffs and stream banks.

image Rod Gilbert

2. Erythronium oreganum - Easter lily
Forming enchanting drifts of white nodding flowers our native Easter lily can be found in dry to moist meadows and open forest.

image Rod Gilbert

3. Camassia quamash - Common camas
Camas inhabits open meadows and grassy slopes.

image Bob Keller

4. Triteleia hyacinthina - Fools onion
Found in open grasslands, coastal bluffs and rocky grasslands.

5. Allium acuminatum - Hookers onion
Can be found thriving on dry hills and flats, rocky open knolls and coastal headlands.

6. Antennaria rosea - Rosy pussytoes
Occupies dry grassy slopes, meadows and along river terraces from sea level to the sub alpine zone.

image Rod Gilbert

7. Sisyrinchium douglasii - Satin flower
One of our earliest wildflowers, it can be found in our Garry oak ecosystems or on rocky bluffs.

image Robin

8. Lamium utrulatum - Spring gold
Inhabits our dry open meadows.

image random truth

9. Ranunculus occidentalis - Western buttercup
A very common flower in our parks the Western buttercup can be found in meadows, woodlands, thickets, and along our beaches and streams.

image via Botany BC

2. Fritillaria affinis syn. F. lanceolata - Chocolate lily
Fritillaria is found in open Garry Oak meadows. grassy bluffs and open forests.

image Rod Gilbert