• Spring ephemerals like shootingstar (Dodecatheon) are wonderful choices for woodland gardens. These early bloomers put on growth and bloom in the higher light levels that exist before the trees unfurl their leaves. Spring ephemerals will go dormant later on in the summer when light levels drop under the canopy of leaves.
 

Woodland Garden

The woodland garden interprets what one might see in the understory of a forest. This garden, located on the northwest corner of the ENMAX Conservatory, has a slightly acidic soil mix and organic mulch. An alpine soil mix, additions of peat moss and Spruce Meadow horse manure helped lower the pH of the soil and provide a garden mix rich in organic matter. The addition of stumps and fallen logs as well as carefully placed sandstone helps reinforce the woodland theme.

Collection Highlights

The woodland garden is anchored by a Toba hawthorn.  This tree is a favourite of staff and visitors alike with its glossy leaves and late spring white blooms that age to pink. Also included in this collection are honeysuckle, rhododendrons, ostrich ferns, primula, dogwood, cedars, woodland geraniums and clematis.

 

Soil pH

The soil in Calgary and the surrounding area tends to be alkaline and heavy with clay.  Some plant material like rhododendrons and blueberries thrive in more acidic conditions.  It is very challenging to permanently change the pH of the indigenous soil, even with acidifying fertilizers such as aluminum sulphate or elemental sulphur.  Gardeners will have better luck growing these acidic loving plants in our region if they can either create raised beds or excavate out a bed and then fill the area with soil mixed to support lower pH.