New Trend: Naturalized Gardens in Quebec

Have you noticed that your neighbor’s green lawn has been replaced by a wild garden? Don’t be mistaken, it’s not neglect, but a naturalized garden that highlights native plants and biodiversity. A major trend is emerging. Here's the explanation.

A Growing Movement for Garden Naturalization

A growing movement is gaining momentum across Canada, especially in Quebec, with the naturalization of gardens. The goal is to transform green spaces, such as our gardens and parks, into natural environments made up of native plants⁽¹⁾, thus promoting biodiversity.

Formally launched in 2017 by the “In the Zone” program, this project aimed to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. WWF-Canada and the Carolinian Canada Coalition, two Canadian environmental NGOs, initiated this program to create ecological green spaces to support natural habitats and slow down the disappearance of native plants.

An example of a naturalized garden in Quebec, where biodiversity is promoted through the use of native plants, creating a natural balance with modern outdoor living spaces.

Soil Rewilding and Biodiversity

The idea is to replace manicured lawns with gardens composed of local plants, supporting ecosystems for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Several cities in Quebec have drawn inspiration from this program to launch community initiatives, promote the sale of native plants in garden centers, and even ban the use of pesticides for lawn maintenance. In practice, “rewilding,” or soil renaturalization, has been propelled by the wave of community gardens that have replaced traditional lawns with green spaces filled with local flowers and shrubs adapted to the region’s climate.

Behind this movement are crucial issues such as water conservation, soil enrichment, and the preservation of declining species (like bees) that are addressed daily.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis accelerated this movement. Home confinement sparked a gardening boom, seen as a remedy to cope with stress and improve mental health.

Since then, personalities like Lorraine Johnson⁽²⁾, a pioneer of the green space renaturalization movement and author of several books on the topic, have helped popularize this new trend.

A Growing Market

Since 2021, the market for native plants and sustainable gardens has been booming in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, annual sales volume represents nearly 5 billion dollars and is growing by 10% annually.

Today, many garden naturalization enthusiasts are transforming their green lawns into natural spaces where numerous plants coexist, organized by nature. Gardens become natural havens, much like those found in the countryside. The effects of calm, tranquility, balance, and zen are evident. Your home and garden take on a new dimension, very similar to what you feel when spending a weekend at a cottage.

Bioclimatic Pergolas: A Perfect Complement

Bioclimatic pergolas are a perfect match for naturalized gardens. They introduce modern comfort while respecting the natural aesthetic balance of native plants⁽¹⁾ and biodiversity.

The weather-resistant aluminum structure requires little maintenance and harmonizes perfectly with the natural arrangement of naturalized gardens. Additionally, it provides a comfortable outdoor living space to enjoy your garden. Its adjustable blades allow for control over natural light exposure as needed.