Pointe-Claire garden at the center of growing controversy

POINTE-CLAIRE-  Wandering into Peter Graham’s garden, you might think you’re in a farmer’s field: daisies, black-eyed susans and even some blue jays are a common sight.

But his home isn’t in the country, it’s in the middle of Pointe-Claire.

Graham told Global News his garden is a model of sustainable development and he intends to keep it that way.

“You start to realize how much life depends on a little garden,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You start to realize how much life depends on a little garden," he said.

“If you can, stop mowing some of it and give a bit more to the other species that you share the world with.”

The City of Pointe-Claire issued Graham an infraction saying his garden doesn’t comply with municipal bylaws because of “long grass, wild shrubs and weeds in a messy fashion.”

The fine: $650.

The city said in a statement to Global News that the garden is against the bylaw on nuisances, something Graham doesn’t agree with.

“There were a few neighbours who voiced concerns, but generally it’s been positive,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There were a few neighbours who voiced concerns, but generally it's been positive," he said.

“When we got the notice of infraction, a lot of neighbours spontaneously started to put notices of support in the garden.”

Graham has started a petition to change the bylaw.

As of Thursday morning there were just over 500 signatures.

He said he’s been growing his garden for 17 years and doesn’t want to stop now.

“It’s a nurturing relationship,” he said.

“It becomes part of the family, so no there’s no question of getting rid of the garden.”