I always wonder why the planters I see in @Ward2Hamilton in @cityofhamilton don't have any perennial grasses and plants. Adding annual flowers is great, but I feel like we could save money and improve looks. Any thoughts?
@emptybikelane @Ward2Hamilton Hi Chris – We design traffic island beds with many factors in mind including cost, availability, maintenance, watering, site lines, aesthetic, bloom time, tolerance of harsh conditions & tolerance of salt. Designs are created to ensure plants are well sited for success. (1/3)
@emptybikelane @Ward2Hamilton Staff continue to trial perennials each season to determine their survivability. Where possible, we promote native plant species (annuals and perennials) to promote diversity and increase the ecological benefits. (2/3)
@emptybikelane @Ward2Hamilton Trials to date have shown that the list of native annuals and perennials that thrive in traffic islands is very limited, but we’re committed to continuing these trials and integrating these plants into beds. (3/3)
@cityofhamilton @emptybikelane @Ward2Hamilton Maybe this means the city should be looking at alternatives to salting so much! If it isn't good for native plants in the traffic islands what do you think it's doing the nearby environment?