LP069: NEW-Life-Magnet: Creating a Layered Native Garden for Biodiversity
With the expanding trend toward landscaping to enhance all forms of life, the question becomes… ‘how’. Different species prefer different layers in the landscape canopy. For example, some birds and insects hang out in the upper canopy; others, on the ground, and others, anywhere in between. Having a landscape with trees, under storey trees, shrubs, perennials and leaf litter ensures a home for everyone. Thus biodiversity is enhanced. Also, by choosing plants favouring native species, and creating layers including varying heights of plants, focusing on what food and habitat niches those plants would fill, the life cycles of many species can be supported. This involves looking at all life stages: from birth (larva and eggs) to adulthood; and from first food sources to berries and insects. Also worth considering is where creatures need shelter; old logs, standing trees, twiggy shrubs for nesting, and more.
We’ll delve into recommended plant choices, design considerations, the ‘native vs. non’ issue, and finer details such as supporting obligat feeders (those that can feed on only one genus or species).
LO member price: $165.00
Non-member price: $290.00
Maximum participants: 15
Location: Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line S., Milton
Instructor: Sean James, Sean James Consulting
Date: Thursday February 5, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Seminars main menuWith the expanding trend toward landscaping to enhance all forms of life, the question becomes… ‘how’. Different species prefer different layers in the landscape canopy. For example, some birds and insects hang out in the upper canopy; others, on the ground, and others, anywhere in between. Having a landscape with trees, under storey trees, shrubs, perennials and leaf litter ensures a home for everyone. Thus biodiversity is enhanced. Also, by choosing plants favouring native species, and creating layers including varying heights of plants, focusing on what food and habitat niches those plants would fill, the life cycles of many species can be supported. This involves looking at all life stages: from birth (larva and eggs) to adulthood; and from first food sources to berries and insects. Also worth considering is where creatures need shelter; old logs, standing trees, twiggy shrubs for nesting, and more.
We’ll delve into recommended plant choices, design considerations, the ‘native vs. non’ issue, and finer details such as supporting obligat feeders (those that can feed on only one genus or species).
LO member price: $165.00
Non-member price: $290.00
Maximum participants: 15
Location: Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line S., Milton
Instructor: Sean James, Sean James Consulting
Date: Thursday February 5, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm