Register for a wildflower kit, rain barrel or backyard composter starting May 1
Township of King, Ont. — Turn your property into an oasis for pollinators by taking part in King Township’s annual Green Yards program, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and supporting pollinators. Throughout the month of May, both residents and non-residents can take a step towards greening their yards by registering to purchase native wildflower kits, rain barrels and backyard composters online at king.ca/greenyardsprogram.
Registration for the Green Yards Program opens on Wednesday, May 1, and closes on Friday, May 31. Pre-orders can be picked up on Thursday, June 6 between 9 a.m. and noon at the Trisan Centre and King Township Municipal Centre parking lots, or delivered on Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7. Delivery is only available to residents within King Township for an additional fee of $5. Pending availability, rain barrels and composters can be purchased into June.
Wildflower Kits
Native wildflower kits include 10 native wildflowers, a pack of native wildflower seeds and gardening resources to help residents get started. Species include Wild Bergamot, Cylindric Blazing Star, Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Common Milkweed, Black Eyed Susan, Native Grass and Pale Purple Coneflower. Limited quantities are available and species may vary.
Rain Barrels and Backyard Composters
Rain barrels and backyard composters are also available at an affordable cost. The rain barrels are 208 litres (55 gallons) in capacity and come with features such as easy multi-barrel installations, insect-resistant stainless-steel screens and are made from recycled content. The backyard composters have a capacity of 11 cubic feet (311 litres) and are made from 100% recycled materials, with features including a twist-locking lid, vertical and horizontal columnar ventilation and rodent resistance.
Composters are used to breakdown organic materials by bacteria, fungi, worms and small insects. The end product is a dark, earthy, soil-like substance called compost that you can use to improve the fertility, aeration and moisture-holding capacity of your soil, giving your flowers and vegetables the nutrients they need to grow.
There are many great reasons to start using a rain barrel if you aren’t already. They save money as you can use the collected rainfall to water plants, your lawn or to even wash your vehicles. Collecting rainwater also stops fertilizer, pesticides, pet waste and other contaminants on the ground from washing into creeks, streams and sewers.
For more information about the Green Yards Program, visit king.ca/greenyardsprogram.
By planting wildflowers, composting and recycling rainwater, residents can make a positive impact on the environment and support local pollinators. According to Health Canada, pollinators are important for many reasons including:
Biodiversity: Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds and bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem by facilitating the reproduction of plants. This, in turn, helps maintain biodiversity and supports a healthy ecosystem.
Food production: Many crops, including fruits, vegetables and nuts, rely on pollinators for reproduction. By supporting pollinators, we ensure the continuation of food production and agricultural systems.
Economic benefits: Pollinators contribute significantly to global economies through the pollination of crops. They help increase crop yields and improve the quality of fruits and seeds, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
Aesthetic value: Pollinators contribute to the beauty of natural landscapes and gardens. Their presence enhances the aesthetic value of our surroundings and provides enjoyment for people.
Ecosystem services: Pollinators provide important ecosystem services beyond pollination, such as soil health, nutrient cycling and pest control. Supporting pollinators helps maintain these services and promotes overall ecosystem resilience.
For regular updates on Township programs and events, follow the official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram or visit king.ca.
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Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca