Belleville launches “Let It Grow” campaign in local parks and public spaces

You  may notice some increased growth of weeds and grass if you’re walking around certain areas of Belleville this summer, but the city says it’s all for a good reason.

Green Task Force Chair Councillor Chris Malette says they have identified a number of parks and public spaces, including East Zwick’s Park and others, where grass will be left to grow, as part of the “Let It Grow” campaign, supporting various pollinators throughout the city.

“Leaving certain areas unmanaged will give native plants a chance to grow and flower. Those will attract pollinators like butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, which in turn, cross-pollinate other plants. It’s all part of just trying to keep the local biosphere as healthy as we can.”

Areas that are included in the program will be marked by signs that read “pardon the weeds, we’re feeding the bees”.

Residents are also being encouraged to get involved by taking the following steps:

• Wait until your lawn is 4-6 inches long before cutting it (respecting the city’s Property Standards and Clean Yards by-laws).

• Cut lawns less frequently and set the blades higher to allow flowering plants such as clover, to re-flower quickly. This also helps to keep your grass healthy in times of drought.

• Consider growing a pollinator patch – dedicate a small patch of lawn and leave it to grow; wait to see what arrives. The city recommends patches no larger than 10 square metres, preferably in the side or rear yard, a metre away from property lines.