This sculptural garden forms a buffer zone between the parking lot and the gardens. Its underlying structure is built of waste from the original construction site and includes recycled materials such as bottles and bricks for aesthetic purposes. It is made up of the East-facing bank and West-facing bank.
The east-facing bank is steeply sloped and showcases perennials, including a collection of Sempervivum spp. (hens and chicks), that survive in sun-baked conditions where they are exposed to wind, extremes of temperature, drought, traffic pollution and salt.
The west-facing slope is an example of terraced gardening-style popular in Mediterranean countries where thin soils, temperature extremes and high winds pose unique challenges to vegetation. The plants are arranged in ribbons or long drifts and are punctuated by vertical elements such irises. A unique feature of this garden is the exposed steel frames.
A variety of hardy groundcovers that can be used to prevent soil erosion are planted here. Many of the perennials and roses also have a long-flowering season.
A Euonymus spp hedge divides the two areas of the garden, providing structure and winter interest.
about the author: Aldona Satterthwaite
Aldona Satterthwaite started gardening as a child and has never stopped. Until recently, she was the executive director of Toronto Botanical Garden. Previously, Aldona was editor-in-chief of Canadian Gardening magazine, which during her eight-year tenure was twice named Magazine of the Year (large circulation category) by the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors. In 2007, she was co-named Editor of the Year. Aldona, who’s a Master Gardener, completed her journalism studies at the Regent Street Polytechnic (now Westminster University) in London, England and studied landscape architecture at Ryerson University. She’s enjoyed a varied and successful writing and editing career that has spanned magazines, advertising and the museum world, and has included stints as Director of Writing Services at The Museum of Modern Art, New York and as manager of creative services at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
