Seed Increase Plot Upgrades
As part of the Summer 2026 upgrades to the Co-op Country Store Seed Increase Plots, several improvements were made to enhance their functionality, appearance, and educational value.
In Plot 1, a wooden border was installed to clearly define the growing space, followed by thorough weeding and the application of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Photo 1: Plot 1 before and after the summer upgrades.
Plot 2 was carefully prepared for planting through extensive weeding and site cleanup. We also added several new native and pollinator-friendly species that were not previously growing in Plot 1, including prairie blazing star and Canada goldenrod. Mulch was applied across both plots to support healthy plant establishment and long-term growth.
Photo 2: Plot 2 before and after the summer upgrades, with our summer intern Rajpinder posing after a long day of work.
In addition, plant identification signs were installed at both plots to improve accessibility and provide visitors with educational information about the species being grown. These enhancements will strengthen the effectiveness of the Seed Increase Plots while promoting native biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices.
We encourage you to stop by and check out our plots at the Garden Centre of the Southeastern Co-op Country Store!
Community Outreach
Our summer interns also had a great time attending dozens of community events throughout the summer. During these events, we distributed approximately 100 packets of native seeds to local community members. We hope that these seeds successfully germinate in gardens throughout the community, as growing native plants at home can contribute to the restoration
and protection of New Brunswick’s native flora.
Photo 3: Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance summer interns Padden (left) and Shannon (right) at the 6th Annual Garbage Swim event hosted by the Fundy Biosphere Region.
Acknowledgements:
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is able to continue our Native Seed Initiative thanks to the support of the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund and the Southeastern Co-op Country Store. We are incredibly grateful for their support and for believing in the importance of our work!