Alwington Avenue Bioswale Project  | Kingston 2013

We were thrilled to be a part of the Alwington Avenue Bioswale Project. In its simplest form, a bioswale is essentially a ditch shaped garden designed to help control and divert rain water from our sewer systems. Plants help absorb the water, control erosion, and reduce the contaminants often found in city run-off. 

Used in major cities across North America, designing and installing these unique gardens is an exciting opportunity to introduce the bioswale concept to residential neighbourhoods in Kingston. Hardy plant material has been carefully selected based on salt and drought tolerance ratings to withstand city and weather conditions. As this is a charming residential neighbourhood, plants have also been chosen to be child and pet friendly, and to remain at a mature height of up to 3’ to maintain sight lines.

Two gardens at the corners of King and Alwington have now been completed (August 2013). Four volunteers have stepped forward to maintain the gardens, and we will be here to help them with questions and to monitor the progress of the plants over the next few years. 

A special thank you goes out to the lovely Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Fay for their generosity and support, for a shady spot to sit and for bringing us treats everyday to help keep us going.