Autumn, typically associated with harvest, offers a great opportunity to begin planting native species according to a horticulturist from Metro Vancouver. Shayla Chalifoux, a St’át’imc, Nêhiyaw, and mixed European background, highlighted the benefits of planting native plants during this season. Chalifoux, who is actively involved in Indigenizing plant spaces in British Columbia through her initiative Shaylish Plants, emphasized that fall planting is advantageous due to the warm soil from summer and ample rainfall facilitating a smooth transition for the plants.
Contrary to the common belief that spring is the primary planting season, Chalifoux pointed out that many native plants, such as sweetgrass and camas bulbs, thrive when planted in the fall. Sweetgrass, known for its ceremonial and smudging purposes, grows near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and wet meadows. Chalifoux also shared historical anecdotes suggesting that the plains people introduced sweetgrass to British Columbia, underscoring its significance as a native plant in the region.
Camas bulbs, a carbohydrate-rich traditional food source for various First Nations including the Quw’utsun Nation and Songhees Nation, hold cultural importance. Chalifoux mentioned that some individuals from St’át’imc territory used to travel to Washington state to harvest these bulbs, reflecting the deep-rooted connection of native plants to Indigenous communities. Despite the ecological benefits of native plants for biodiversity, Chalifoux highlighted the prevailing lack of awareness and education on incorporating native plants in urban landscapes.
British Columbia boasts unparalleled plant biodiversity in Canada, with over 2,500 native vascular plant species along with numerous lichens, mosses, and fungi, as per provincial records. Chalifoux encouraged individuals to support the environment by planting native species in their balconies and gardens, emphasizing the critical role of these plants in sustaining local ecosystems. While acknowledging a positive shift towards recognizing the importance of native plants, Chalifoux noted the absence of municipal policies mandating the inclusion of native plants in urban planning.
Responding to inquiries, the City of Vancouver shared its commitment to enhancing native plant presence in urban areas by considering factors like maintenance, resilience, and canopy cover in planning decisions. The city highlighted collaborations with local First Nations and initiatives like the Stanley Park Restoration project, which integrated Pacific yew based on Indigenous feedback. Additionally, the city has facilitated the distribution of native plants for ecological restoration in Vancouver parks through partnerships with non-profits and community groups engaging in community planting events.