Progression of our Tiana Bayside Coastal Gardens

Coastal Gardens at Tiana Bayside Facility 

The coastal gardens at Tiana Bayside Facility are part of an initiative to conserve several of our native marine plant species. So how exactly are we doing this?

We started by filling our beds with a mixture of soil and sand, creating layers to help these unique species grow. The soil provides the correct amount of moisture for these plants, ensuring they receive the water they need, and the sand ensures drainage. The key species we planted yesterday were Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa), Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos),Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and Little Bluestem. (Schizachyrium scoparium).  These plants are adapted to living in sand.

 Prickly Pear and Little Bluestem are great for erosion control, due to their root systems. This is very beneficial for our coasts, as they will have protection from weathering. 

 Prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

Swamp Rose Mallow and Yarrow are great for our local insects, birds, and other species, they depend on them for food and shelter. Not only are we planting species to protect our coasts, but to protect our local pollinator species as well. 

Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)

 Yarrow  (Achillea millefolium)

Last summer, when our coastal gardens were progressing, I would see many types of birds enjoying the area, specifically Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows. These birds thrive in many different habitats, with some being marshes and dunes. Planting local grasses and shrubs attracts a large abundance of these birds to Tiana Bay.  I'm looking forward to seeing the different species of birds in our gardens this summer. 

Barn Swallow in our coastal gardens 

I'm excited to keep working on our coastal gardens alongside the Back to the Bay's staff and our volunteer stewards,  and documenting the progression throughout the  summer!

Photographs taken by: Sam Olweck