Have you heard of refugia gardening? Refugia are small, protected areas where plants, animals, and other organisms can survive and adapt to changes caused by climate change and other environmental disruptions.
Refugia gardening helps protect local biodiversity by creating spaces where native plants and animals can thrive, even in human-dominated landscapes. It also inspires a sense of care and hope, as people connect with and support nature right in their community.
St. James Anglican Church is excited to announce a new project to transform its traditional British-style gardens with lawns and trees into a Refugia Garden. This redesigned garden will be a beautiful, ecologically healthy space, providing refuge for local wildlife and promoting resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Over the coming years, St. James will be adding:
• Moisture-absorbent and moisture-retaining soils
• Nitrogen-generating, resilient plants
• Drought-resistant species
• Soil and plants that can withstand heavy rain
• Reduced lawn care inputs
The goal is to create a peaceful community space that serves as a sanctuary for both wildlife and people. In the long term, the Refugia Garden will offer a natural setting where community members can sit, walk, and relax—a space for reflection, conversation, and connection.
Work will begin in earnest next year, with regular updates to follow. Stay tuned for more news on this exciting transformation!
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