When I worked at the City of Coquitlam, the Park Spark program was in its infancy. It was my friend Jen who was hired to run the various park events. That was how she landed the coveted full-time municipal job. Incidentally, we wrote and passed the Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturist exam together. That was in 2014.
2017
Now let’s fast forward to 2017. Jen is very pregnant and my kids are Park Spark veterans. When my kids put plants into the ground with confidence their landscape professional Daddy is very happy. Correct planting is a good life skill.
I believe the whole Park Spark idea is excellent. The city improves local Coquitlam parks and gets locals to help. So not only is their neighbourhood park more beautiful, their invested labour should make them care for their local park.
Plants for pollinators
When I read the event advertisement, it promised planting of pollinator-friendly plants. Surprisingly, both of my kids came along willingly on a Saturday afternoon.
So what does a municipality plant in a local park in order to attract pollinators? Well, let’s see. Monarda or Bee Balm was easily my kids’ favourite plant.
Flower of the year
As soon as we finished planting we picked up free fuchsias which have been declared as 2017 Coquitlam flowers of the year. Sure, why not. At least we had a nice gift for mom. We also scored a few calibrachoas which we will most likely share with friends.
If you live in Coquitlam definitely take your kids to the next Park Spark event. It’s a quick, fun park activity. Usually there are gifts waiting for you like t-shirts and plants.
Before we escaped the summer heat, I got my kids to observe the finished planted beds. Then I thanked them for helping out. I’m sure we will do it again soon.
