Author Archives: C Paterson

Rumen Conev, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; Todd Boland, Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden; Alan Sullivan, University of Guelph; Isabelle Lesschaeve, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

With this study, Dr. Rumen Conev at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre focused on twenty native species planted for evaluation at three locations in Ontario and Newfoundland. In each location plant performance was evaluated in sun and shade, in different growth media and with different watering regimes. This study has identified several new or underused native Canadian plants which have proven potential as low maintenance ornamental plants.

Further reading: Native plant research breathes new life

Rumen Conev, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; S. Norman Goodyear, Nova Scotia Agriculture College; Tracey Mackenzie, Nova Scotia Agriculture College; Jeff Morton, Nova Scotia Agriculture College; Richard Côte, University of Guelph

Growing demand for green roofs in urban areas make this project evaluating new or underutilized plants for green roof plantings a timely one. Dr. Rumen Conev partnered with researchers in Nova Scotia to assess performance of 37 species under real-life green roof conditions. Species invasiveness and winter survivability has also been evaluated. Positive results across many test species is providing green roof designers with a larger palette of green roof materials, in particular, a number of low maintenance plant species that perform well under harsh conditions.

Yves Desjardins, Laval University; Gillaume Grégoire, Laval University, Marc Duchemin, Institut de Recherche et de Développement en Agroenvironnement

Dr. Yves Desjardins with Université Laval has compared the effect of four different maintenance programs on turfgrass quality, nutrient losses through runoff and leaching, and soil fertility level. Twelve plots evaluated five different maintenance regimes that included aerification, topdressing, weed control and fertilization. Results suggest that fertilized turf uses less water than unfertilized turf.