LO members plant gardens at TBG

LO members volunteered time, equipment and materials to get the spring planting started at the newly renovated Toronto Botanical Garden on April 21. The TBG plans to create a self-sustaining urban oasis in the GTA. Planting will continue throughout the summer as the TBG creates a series of contemporary gardens spanning nearly four acres.

Special thanks to the LO members who participated in the project: Thanks to the following companies and individuals: The Landscape Company (Steve Hary, Lisa Fuhlendorf, Kal Battieste); Oriole Landscaping (George Urvari, Gergely Eserhati); The Beach Gardener (Mark Bradley, Mark Gillies, Blair Gallant, Nicole Petersen, Leon Lin); Arbordale Landscaping (Keith Severs); Lawn Savers Plant Health Care (Kyle Tobin); Townscaping (Pat Elo); Clintar (Bruce Warren); Shibui Landscaping (Arthur Skolnik, Conroy Haughten, Rocal Kelly, Jeff Collins); Growers Choice (Matt Robertson) and Sheridan Nurseries.

The new steel structures built in front of the TBG are planted with European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) to form a living muscular sculpture. The trees will be pruned to fit the structure and will retain their leaves through most of the winter, thereby giving four seasons of interest. The project was designed by Piet Oudolf, a landscape designer from the Netherlands. The sculptures are surrounded by concrete seating and subtle lighting for visitors’ enjoyment.