Reducing use of pesticides
Charlottetown demo beds showcase pesticide-free lawns and gardens
The City of Charlottetown has created several demonstration beds to showcase low-maintenance, pesticide-free options for lawns and gardens.
In January, the city adopted a cosmetic pesticide bylaw restricting the use of non-domestic pesticide applications, and also committed to educational outreach to encourage alternatives.
The aim is to encourage residents reduce cosmetic pesticide use in favour of alternative forms of lawn management.
The three types of landscaping featured in the beds will be:
— xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that can be used as a solution for drought-afflicted areas and can help control pest infestations through certain plant selections;
— alternatives to turf, which is groundcover that is dense, textured and hardy that provides an attractive and low-maintenance “stoppable” landscaping;
— and pesticide-free turf, which is a natural and diverse lawn, maintained without the use of cosmetic pesticides.
“We encourage residents to set an example in their communities by keeping their lawns and garden’s pesticide-free for the health of the environment, our citizens and our pets,” said
Deputy Mayor Mike Duffy, who is also chair of the city’s environment and sustainability committee.
The demo beds will be moved to various locations in the city so all communities have access to view them.
They are in Victoria Park, West Royalty Community Centre and the Bomber Callaghan Park in East Royalty.
The city is also offering free lawn signs to residents who maintain a naturally healthy, pesticide-free lawn.
To pick up a sign, visit City Hall (199 Queen St.) Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit: www.charlottetown.ca/cosmeticpesticides.php.
“We encourage residents to set an example in their communities by keeping their lawns and garden’s pesticide-free for the health of the FOWJSPONFOU PVS DJUJ[FOT and our pets.” Charlottetown Deputy Mayor Mike Duffy