The Native Plant Garden at Pyramid Hill

A complement to the rolling lawns of Pyramid Hill, the Native Plant Garden is a part of the native ecosystem of the creek valley of Pyramid Hill's park grounds. It is a sanctuary for indigenous species of plants and for their allied wildlife; as plants provide habitats and food for insects, birds, fish and mammals. The symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna contributes to a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

The garden was designed to showcase three different garden conditions: a meadow, a woodland and a creek edge. Each of these conditions supports different plants and animals due to differing levels of shade and moisture.

Construction in this lowland area between the Pioneer House and the creek has resulted in over 500 native plants being placed in the garden including trees, grasses, and perennials since May 2012. As the garden has developed, many planted plants have self-seeded and spread; others have withered, while additional natives have found their way to the garden without human help. The garden is constantly changing with the annual and seasonal fluctuations of the weather.

The open meadow of grasses and perennials is the central heart of the garden. A profusion of prairie perennials and grasses bloom at various times throughout the summer. They attract pollinators that are critical for food production and provide support for birds and insects. Construction of the viewing deck was completed in 2013, followed by installation of native trees for the woodland flanking the deck on either side. Woodland trees like the native redbud and river birch and their root systems help hold the slopes down to the creek. They also provide shade for fish and other wildlife as well as for shade-loving plants. These sheltered woodland beds add depth to the garden, framing views to the creek. Native perennials have been added under the trees. In 2018, planting began in the teardrop shaped bed further south, adjacent to the meadow. Most of these meadow plants have white flowers, creating a “moon garden”. The basic structure of the garden has thus been completed, but additional plants and amenities are added over time, as the garden is constantly evolving and adjusting to changes in rainfall and shade. Attention is currently focused on the creek flood plain, as it has transformed with the harder rains in recent years. Invasive Japanese knotweed has been removed, and many new plants have moved in here on their own. The goal is to give nature agency to transform this valley into an ecosystem which improves the health of the animal and plant community in the park as well as the water quality and provides a place of learning and enjoyment for our visitors.

We currently have a diversity of over 15 plant families and 45 species of grasses and perennials. Care has been taken to select plants that flower in different parts of the season, from early spring to late fall. The pollinators and birds have flocked to the garden—the increase in animal life has been amazing. Visit often to see how the garden changes week by week, and enjoy the many birds and insects!