August is nearly over and what an extremely challenging month for gardening it was in Edgemont! If you live in the more northern part of Edgemont, you may have experienced the devastating effects of huge hail stones and strong winds early August. Several of our planters in these specific parts of Edgemont also experienced the thrashing effects of this severe storm. Foothills Landscaping tidied up the flowers to the best of their ability and it is truly amazing to see some brave bright flowers in the affected planters again. And if these challenges weren’t enough, having had the luxury of fewer water restrictions for many weeks, we are back at prioritizing what needs to be watered with our precious rain barrel water and any grey water we can save! Foothills Landscaping is back to using non-potable water to water our plants.
Just as well that planting of new materials in the naturalization pilot project was scheduled for the fall all along, when we can hopefully water more liberally again. Should you read this article on our website before the paper copy is available and if you would like to be part of the volunteer team doing the final cleanup and planting, the planned dates for these events are October 3 and 8 respectively (9:00 am start). Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]!
Our ELM coordinator asked us to share some information on the potential dangers of foxtail barley, a plant that poses a serious risk to pets and local environments. See picture included with this article.
Foxtail barley seeds have arrow-shaped awns with razor-sharp needles, which allow them to burrow into the ground. The seeds can attach to a dog’s skin, be inhaled or ingested, and can get lodged in their ears, leading to serious health issues. If any plants are found, it’s crucial to remove them completely. After mowing, the spikelets that contain the foxtail should be raked up and disposed of properly. It is advisable to wear gloves for protection. While not typically necessary when removing this plant, wearing a mask can provide an added layer of protection if you are concerned about inhaling any particles or allergens associated with the plant. Early detection and removal can help prevent larger infestations in the future.
In addition, we want to draw your attention to the update to the Community Standards Bylaw addressing the hazards posed by foxtail barley. A specified penalty of $500 may be imposed for violations, similar to other nuisance property infractions. Please keep an eye out for foxtail barley in your yards and the community. Use the links below (including pictures) for more information on Foxtail Barley and on the amended Community Standards Bylaw:
• Foxtail Barley: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/natural-areas/foxtail-barley.html
• Bylaw amendment to help mitigate foxtail barley harms now in affect: https://newsroom.calgary.ca/bylaw-amendment-to-help-mitigate-foxtail-barley-harms-now-in-affect/
• Bylaws related to grass: https://www.calgary.ca/bylaws/grass.html
Have a great summer and please contact us at [email protected] with any concerns or questions.
Kathleen Stewart, Rick Wierzbicki, Shari Pitka
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