Buzzing with colour at the MGH and Lachine Hospital
Summer's in full swing, and the MUHC is going green! After planting hundreds of new trees at the Glen site, it's now time for the Montreal General and Lachine Hospitals to join the eco-friendly fun with some vibrant flowers.
Bursting with blooms at the MGH
Since mid-June, 900 perennials and annuals have been planted in eight areas at the MGH. The newly installed flower beds and containers now add a splash of color at key locations, including the entrances to the Emergency Department, Cedar Avenue, and the cafeteria terrace.
“After several visits to the site and evaluation of its service offer, we selected Polliflora,” explains Caroline Nessim, Manager, Parking and Grounds Services. “We were looking for an eco-responsible organization that respects the MUHC's commitment to social economy enterprises and the protection of biodiversity. Polliflora demonstrates a strong environmental commitment, and provides quality native and perennial species. These plants play an important role in the ecosystem for pollinators and will allow the MUHC to meet its sustainability objectives.” she adds.
Polliflora is a non-profit group dedicated to promoting biodiversity and responsible beekeeping in urban areas.
Highlighting Quebec's Indigenous flora
Most of the perennials are indigenous to Quebec including purple coneflower, Canada violet, nasturtium, black-eyed Susan and goldenrod. These are just a few of the species you’ll find as you browse through the new garden beds. The carefully selected flowers were chosen to complement the native trees on Mount Royal, which serves as the backdrop for the MGH.
Artful blooms
Under the thoughtful guidance of Caroline and her team, Polliflora brought a creative vision to life along Pine Avenue by designing a garden bed in the shape of the MUHC logo. This unique feature, inspired and supported by the Parking and Grounds Services, adds a special charm to the hospital's new green space, symbolizing our shared commitment to both beauty and biodiversity.
Lachine Hospital's garden transformation
At the Lachine Hospital, the focus is on creating a welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff. “ Pavilion Camille-Lefebvre is an environment where people live,” says Philippe-Alexandre Côté, Facilities Management Manager. “The residents were disappointed not to have flowers this year,” he adds.
Despite tight budgets, Philippe-Alexandre and his team came together to ensure the patients wouldn't miss out. They generously volunteered to buy and plant the flowers themselves. “We cleared out the weeds and planted the flowers around the pavilion, most of them in the backyard," he says.
The new flower beds and green spaces enhance the hospital's outdoor areas, providing a peaceful and attractive setting. The plant selection prioritizes native species and sustainability, creating a beautiful and eco-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy. Flower maintenance will be managed in-house. The recreation team will take on the task of watering the flowers daily. “This initiative is a collaborative effort between Technical Services and Parking and Grounds Services,” says Philippe-Alexandre.
Take a moment to relax and enjoy the vibrant, eco-friendly spaces. You might even spot a bee or butterfly!