Schedule A:

Plants & Property

Land Characteristics

This planting plan is designed based on the land characteristics identified during the day of the site visit. Plants are chosen according to the soil and light conditions on your property. The number of plants chosen for each planting compartment takes into account the square metre area of the space, as well as the amount of current vegetation cover. Your property is part of ecoZone: 5b

Land Characteristics by Compartment

Plant Selection Summary

The following shrubs and trees are chosen for their suitability and survivability given the current soil and light conditions in each compartment on your property, as well as preferable features.

Plant Information

The following table summarizes key information about each plant selected for your property.

	Bush Honeysuckle Height: 1m The Bush Honeysuckle is a small, hardy, deciduous shrub that rarely grows taller than 1 m in height. The leaves are simple, oppositely arranged, ovate shaped, and have finely toothed margins. During the spring and summer, the leaves are dark green in colour, then in the fall they take on a variety of colours ranging from a deep purple to light yellow. The flowers are small, showy, yellow to orange colored, trumpet shaped, appear in clusters on the tips of branches, and bloom between June and July. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, including hummingbirds and butterflies. The roots of the Bush Honeysuckle are fibrous, giving it the ability to form thickets and making it an ideal shrub to plant for erosion control.
	Alternate-Leaved Dogwood Height: 5-10 m The Alternate-Leaved Dogwood is a tall, deciduous shrub or small tree species that can grow 5-10 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common name Pagoda Dogwood. It can be grown either in the form of a single stem tree or multi-stemmed shrub comprised of two or three smaller trunks. The leaves are ovate shaped, alternately arranged, have prominent veins, have a pointed tip, and have entire margins. The flowers are showy, fragrant, whitish yellow, appear in flat clusters, and bloom between May and June. These flowers produce clusters of dark blue berries. The flowers are beneficial for pollinator species while the berries are beneficial for wildlife species. The root system is valuable for controlling erosion and stabilizing loose soil. This plant is often used as a small ornamental tree in landscaping. The common name comes from the fact that all other Dogwood species have oppositely arranged leaves.
	Ostrich Fern Height: 1.5 m The Ostrich Fern is a coarse, erect to arching perennial fern, that can grow up to 1.5 m in height. The stems are clustered and arching while the leaves are ostrich-plume shaped, widest near top, and very gradually narrowed to the base. The size of the leaves grow up to 1.5 m long and 12-40 cm wide, with around 40 pairs of leaflets or pinnae. The leaflets are long, narrow-pointed, and ascending. The leaves are fertile, with spore clusters on the undersides of sub-leaflets.
	Narrow Leaved Meadowsweet Height: 1-2m The Narrow Leaved Meadowsweet is an erect, deciduous shrub, which grows in the shape of a mound to a height of 1-2m. This species develops numerous branches and branchlets, giving it a sparse appearance. Leaves produced are simple and narrow with sharply toothed borders growing alternately along the branches. These bright, light green leaves appear crowded, as they grow close together on the stocks and branches. During the fall, leaves turn a yellow-red or yellow-orange colour. Small white to light pink flower clusters appear in the spring growing in a dense, narrow pyramid at the terminal ends of the branches. During late summer to early fall, these flowers produce smooth, papery seed pods.
	Shining Willow Height: 10m The Shining Willow is a relatively large deciduous shrub, which grows up to 10 m in height. The shiny leaves are 5-11 cm long and 1-5 cm wide, which are what give this Willow its name. They are lance shaped, with dark green color on the top, and light green on the bottom. Flowers bloom from May to June and range in colour from yellow to a green/brown.
	Steeplebush Height: 1 m The Steeplebush is a deciduous shrub species that typically grows about 1 m in height . This plant may also be known by the common names: Rose Spiraea or Hardhack. The leaves are dark green, about 7 cm long, elliptic to ovate shaped, have toothed margins, and have dense yellowish brown hairs on the undersides. The flowers are tiny, rose pink to purplish coloured, bloom in late summer, and appear on tall, dense, steeple shaped clusters. This plant is useful for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. The flowers are also beneficial for pollinator species, like bees and butterflies.
	Christmas Fern Height: 0.5 m The Christmas Fern is a hardy evergreen fern which can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. It is one of the most common ferns within North America. This species produces robust, leathery, lace-like leaves which grow in a fountain like clump and persist throughout the winter. Silvery and scaled fiddleheads emerge early in the spring. This fern rarely exceeds heights of half a meter and is a popular fern species to utilize in landscaping due to its year-round colour. This fern is often planted for restoration applications due to its ability to conserve soil and control erosion.
	Mountain Maple Height: 3-5m The Mountain Maple is a mid-sized shrub and the smallest Maple species, ranging from 3-5 m tall. The leaves are a triangular shape with 3-5 lobes each and range from 6-12 cm long and wide in size. The upper side of the leaf is a yellowish green with a pubescent white underside. The leaves also have coarsely and irregularly toothed margins and the leaf petioles are red in colour. The flowers are small, pale yellow to green in colour, and form in dense upright clusters. Both male and female flowers may be found within the same cluster. Vibrant red fruit grows with wings that are about 2-3 cm long. This shrub is very important for riparian edges as it is great for preventing erosion on stream banks and steep slopes using its dense layered root system.
	Canadian Serviceberry Height: 3-5 m The Canadian Serviceberry is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree which grows from 3-5 m in a dense round form. This plant may also be known by the common names: Juneberry, Shadblow, or Shadbush. Early in the spring, prior to leaf development, clusters of fragrant, showy white flowers bloom along the branches. By July, these flowers give way to the fruiting bodies. The fruits are initially small, green berries, which grow to the size of blueberries and turn a deep purple-blue upon maturation during the fall. Leaves produced are finely toothed and spear-shaped. Throughout the summer, leaves are dark green and turn a dramatic orange-red during the fall.
	Sweet Gale Height: 1-2m Sweet Gale is a medium-sized shrub which grows into a thick bush about 1-2 m tall. This species produces 1-8 cm long, oblong-lanceolate leaves which are finely toothed at the tip and are spirally arranged. When bruised, these leaves give off a pleasant aroma. Male and female catkins are produced on separate plants. The seeds are dispersed from the female plants via water, as they float on two corky bracts. This shrub also provides a good food source for bird species that eat the seeds including Grouse, Chickadees, and Bluebirds. Mammal species like Beavers and White-Tailed Deer also browse on the twigs and leaves of this plant.
	Common Polypody Height: 30 cm The Common Polypody is a small, evergreen fern species that typically grows less than 30 cm in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Rock Polypody or Rock Cap Fern. The leaves are erect, leathery, yellow green to dark green colored, and pinnately compound with 8-20 deep lobes.
	Oak Fern Height: 35 cm The Oak Fern is a small, delicate fern that can grow up to 35 cm in height. It can grow in solitude, or in extensive patches originating from dark underground stems that boast scattered leafstalks. Each fern has 2-3 pinnate fronds which are broadly triangular, 5-18 cm long and 5-25 cm wide. The stalks are very slender, shiny, straw-coloured, and lightly scaled at the bottom. Spore clusters are small, circular dots on veins near edges and are without membranes.
	Shrubby Cinquefoil Height: 1 m Shrubby Cinquefoil is a hardy, deciduous shrub species that grows about 1 m in height. The stems are reddish brown to gray and appear shredded with age. The leaves are green to blueish green, narrow and elliptic shaped, hairy, alternately arranged, compound with 5 leaflets, and have entire margins. The flowers are showy, yellow, saucer shaped, have five petals, appear in small clusters on terminal branches, and bloom between June and September. In the fall, the flowers give way to an oval-shaped, brown fruit covered in white hairs. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. This is a popular shrub for ornamental use in gardens.
	Blue Vervain Height: 1.5 m Blue Vervain is a perennial wildflower species that grows about 1.5 m in height. It has a slender, upright form with reddish-green coloured, rough-haired stems. Its leaves are oppositely arranged, lance-shaped, and on short petioles with large serrations along the edge. Occasionally, there are two lobes present at the base of the leaves. The flowers are showy, blueish purple coloured, have five petals, appear on dense spikes at the top of flowering stems, and bloom between July and September. The flowers bloom first at the bottom of the spike, travelling upwards and blooming in bands. This plant spreads well and can form small colonies. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The seeds are also beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals.
	Purple Coneflower Height: 1m Purple Coneflower is a perennial wildflower that typically grows about 1 m tall. This plant may also be known by the common name Echinacea. The leaves are dark green coloured, alternately arranged, lance shaped with pointed tips, and have serrated margins. The flowers are showy, pale purple to pink, have 15-20 toothed petals, appear atop erect stems, and bloom between June and August. This wildflower spreads well and can be used to naturalize un-vegetated areas. The roots can be useful for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. This flower blooms for long periods. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The seeds are also beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals.
	Sweet Oxeye Height: 2m Sweet Oxeye, also known as False Sunflower, is an attractive, herbaceous, perennial wildflower, which can grow to almost 2 m tall. The flowers are perched atop a stiff stem, with a brownish-yellow center cone surrounded by bright yellow to orange rays. Leaves are 5-12 cm long and 2-8 cm wide, oppositely arranged along the stem, ovate to lanceolate in shape, and have a toothed margin. This wildflower grows best in moist, well-drained soils, preferring full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Some common natural habitats for the Sweet Oxeye are prairies, meadows, forest edges, and stream banks. Sweet Oxeye is drought tolerant so could be planted in difficult dry sites, but will grow best with regular watering. A large variety of insect species are attracted to the Sweet Oxeye, making it a great addition to a habitat garden.
	Black-Eyed Susan Height: 1 m Black-Eyed Susan is a popular biennial or a short-lived perennial wildflower species that typically grows about 1 m in height. Its leaves are green, alternately arranged, lance shaped, and covered with bristly hairs giving the leaf a grey/green colour. The flowers are daisy-like, have 8-20 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous dark brown disk florets, and blooms between June and September. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The seeds are also beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals. This flower blooms for long periods.
	Wild Bergamot Height: 1 m Wild Bergamot is a perennial wildflower species that is member of the mint family and can grow about 1 m tall. Its stems are light green and smooth with abundant branching on the upper half. The leaves are oppositely arranged, broadly lanceolate shaped, 6-10 cm long, and have toothed edges. The also leaves emit a aromatic minty/oregano scent when crushed. The flowers are showy, pink/lavender coloured, appear on the ends of flowering stems, and bloom between July and September. The flowers bloom in the center of the head first, moving outwards creating a wreath. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. This wildflower spreads well and can be used to naturalize un-vegetated areas. The roots can be useful for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines.
	Ninebark Height: 2-3m The Common Ninebark is a very hardy, large (2-3m in height), deciduous shrub naturally occurring within riparian zones. This species is often planted as an ornamental shrub for its exfoliating bark which reveals reddish-light brown inner bark. This shrub is multi-stemmed with numerous horizontal and ascending branches creating a full, round shape. The Common Ninebark produces dull green, ovate to round shaped leaves with three to five lobes per leaf. During the fall the leaves turn brilliant yellow or dark purple. Between May and June, showy, bell-shaped flowers bloom in clusters on the terminal ends of the branches. During the summer, these flowers give way to small green or green-yellow berries which turn a bright red upon ripening.
	Fragrant Sumac Height: 1-2m The Fragrant Sumac is a medium-sized deciduous shrub within the Cashew family. This species grows between 1-2 meters in height, is multi-stemmed, and produces a round, dense crown composed of erect and spreading branches. Between March and April, small yellow flower clusters bloom on the terminal ends of the branches prior to leaf development. Fruit development begins during late summer. Small, red, hairy berries are produced and can remain on the plant throughout the winter. Male catkins develop on the plant in September. Fragrant Sumac leaves are simple and arranged alternately along the branch. Leaves produced are simple and trifoliate with a large center lobe, appearing similar to Poison Ivy. During the spring and summer, the leaves are light green to green-yellow in colour turning a bright yellow to red or dark purple in autumn. Crushed leaves and stems of the Fragrant Sumac produce a fragrant citrus aroma, hence the common name. The aroma of this shrub is attractive to butterfly species, making it the perfect addition to any butterfly garden. The roots of the Fragrant Sumac are shallow, fibrous, and spread rapidly, making it an ideal choice for stabilizing shorelines and mitigating erosion on steep slopes. Unlike other Sumac species, Fragrant Sumac is significantly less aggressive and easily maintained.
	Red Osier Dogwood Height: 1.5-4m The Red Osier Dogwood is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub native throughout Northern and Western North America which typically grows to 1.5-4m. This species is multi-stemmed with numerous erect and ascending bright red branches that create a loose and spreading form. Leaves produced are simple, two-toned with a dark green upper side and light green underside. They are arranged opposite each other along the branches. During the fall, the foliage turns a brilliant red to dark purple. Clusters of small, creamy white flowers form on the terminal ends of the branches between June and July. The Red Osier Dogwood produces blueish-white fruiting bodies during late summer, which may persist throughout the winter. This shrub's berries provide an important winter food source for numerous species, from large deer to small wintering birds.
	Oswego Tea (Red Bergamot) Height: 50 cm Oswego Tea is a showy perennial wildflower species that typically grows about 50 cm in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Red Bergamot or Scarlet Beebalm. The leaves are dark green, oval shaped, have a minty fragrance. The unique flowers are bright red and grow in dense rounded clusters, with individual tubular flowers that bloom between May and October. The beautiful flowers of Oswego Tea attract various pollinator species like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The Oswego Tea plant is susceptible to a common fungal disease, called powdery mildew, when planted in dry soils. Historically, the leaves of the plant have been used for antiseptic purposes, as well as poultices to heal minor wounds and skin infections.

Compartment A

Naturalization Area

Erosion concerns

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal
• Soil Type: loamy
• Plant Height: any
• Light conditions: partial sun

Bush Honeysuckle

5

Alternate-Leaved Dogwood

1

Ostrich Fern

6

Narrow Leaved Meadowsweet

2

Compartment B

Naturalization Area

Bank erosion concerns

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: dry, normal
• Soil Type: sandy, loamy
• Plant Height: any
• Light conditions: full sun, partial sun

Bush Honeysuckle

7

Narrow Leaved Meadowsweet

3

Shining Willow

3

Steeplebush

3

Christmas Fern

3

Mountain Maple

1

Compartment C

Naturalization Area

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal
• Soil Type: sandy, loamy
• Plant Height: any
• Light conditions: partial sun

Bush Honeysuckle

5

Canadian Serviceberry

1

Compartment D

Naturalization Area

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal
• Soil Type: sandy, loamy
• Light conditions: partial sun

Narrow Leaved Meadowsweet

3

Sweet Gale

1

Common Polypody

6

Compartment E

Naturalization Area

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal, moist
• Soil Type: loamy
• Light conditions: partial sun

Ostrich Fern

6

Christmas Fern

3

Common Polypody

6

Oak Fern

3

Compartment F

Naturalization Area

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal
• Soil Type: sandy, loamy
• Light conditions: partial sun

Shrubby Cinquefoil

2

Blue Vervain

3

Purple Coneflower

3

Sweet Oxeye

3

Black-Eyed Susan

3

Wild Bergamot

3

Compartment G

Naturalization Area

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal
• Soil Type: sandy, loamy

Bush Honeysuckle

3

Shrubby Cinquefoil

1

Purple Coneflower

6

Sweet Oxeye

3

Black-Eyed Susan

6

Wild Bergamot

3

Ninebark

1

Fragrant Sumac

3

Red Osier Dogwood

1

Oswego Tea (Red Bergamot)

3

Compartment H

Naturalization Area

• pH: acidic
• Depth: potted
• Moisture: normal
• Soil Type: sandy, loamy
• Light conditions: partial sun

Bush Honeysuckle

6

Red Osier Dogwood

6

Schedule B

Financial Summary

Project by: The District Municipality of Muskoka

Shoreline Re-Naturalization Starter Kit includes: free site visit, customized re-naturalization planting plan for your shoreline property, native plants including free bare root (small) and potted (large) plants and wildflowers, coconut fibre pads to deter grass from growing around new plantings, tree guards for all deciduous trees, mulch for your wildflowers, Plant Care Guide with instructions on how to take care of your new plants, Habitat Creation Guide and a Wildflower Garden Guide.

Our planting plans are created onsite with you and provide detailed information and plans to re-naturalize your shoreline property. We take photos of areas for planting and overlay native plants that are well suited to your property based on site conditions such as soil type and sunlight availability.

We will work with you to create a plan that works for you including options for low growing plants in areas where views are important.

Schedule C

Project Agreement

Stewardship Agreement

Please indicate your agreement to this proposed plan by signing the following Stewardship Agreement and submitting it, along with your financial contribution, to:

The District Municipality of Muskoka
70 Pine Street Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1N3

Plant Availability

Please note that plant species may need to be changed based on plant stock availability at the time of ordering.

Project Completion

Upon receiving your signed stewardship agreement and financial contribution, a date will be booked for you to pick up your Natural Edge Kit. The District Municipality of Muskoka will supply all plants and materials. If you are paying for the planting to be completed for you, a date will be arranged for The District Municipality of Muskoka to plant your shoreline, bringing the plants and materials with them. If there are particular dates that you would prefer, we will do our best to accommodate your requests.

About this program

About The District Municipality of Muskoka

The District of Muskoka is an upper-tier municipality that has monitored water quality in Muskoka area lakes since 1980. Since 2002, the Muskoka Water Strategy has provided integrated and strategic initiatives for the protection of Muskoka's water resources. The purpose of the strategy is to guide and minimize the impact of human activities on water resources; ensure human and environmental health; and preserve the quality of life in Muskoka.

This program was created by Watersheds Canada

We believe that every person has the right to access clean and healthy lakes and rivers in Canada. At Watersheds Canada, we work to keep these precious places naturally clean and healthy for people and wildlife to continue using for years to come. We love working with others to meet the needs of local communities, whether you’re a concerned citizen, a landowner, a lake association looking for help, or a coalition of groups interested in activating your local community.