Design and Process 

The Pipeline Trail Pollinator Paradise in Hamilton is a small urban garden featuring mostly native plants, chosen for diversity in bloom time, colour and flower shape to maximize support for native insects. There are approximately 40 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and grasses in approximately 700 sq. feet.  The garden is densely planted so that the plants support each other. All garden work is done manually and the garden is only irrigated under extreme drought conditions. Most of the organic matter remains on site. In 2014, when they started the garden, the soil was rock-hard clay. With the use of compost and wood chips, the soil has improved. The minimal trimmings are kept on-site in a pile that provides habitat for larger creatures. Over the last few years, the garden has improved, with more care, some serious editing, and the addition of some additional native plants. Overall, it is a healthy garden with a functioning food web. 

Community Collaboration

As the name suggests, the garden is along the Pipeline Trail, a walking and cycling trail located in the former industrial area in Hamilton. The Pipeline Pollinator Paradise garden features prominently on the trail and it was the centre of a recent community engagement event where local activists advocated for trail upgrades to improve accessibility and wayfinding as well as the inclusion of public art and additional gardens. 

The garden is tended by the Crown Point Garden Club. The garden club is the ‘Adopt-a-Park’ group for the garden, which gives them permission from the City of Hamilton to care for the garden on public property. The group was founded in 2014 to create this pollinator garden and the lead gardener is a SOUL practitioner who is supported by keen learners and native plant enthusiasts. Once the pandemic restrictions end, the goal is to relaunch public engagement activities including public tours to engage the neighbouring communities who have expressed interest and appreciation for the garden since it was initially established. 

To learn more about the garden, visit the garden club's website. 

 The garden is located on Hamilton's Pipeline Trail

Garden volunteers