Back in the 1920s civic visionary Thomas Baker McQuesten had a big idea. He wanted to create a large-scale civic garden that would put Hamilton, Ontario on the botanical map. In 1927, the Hamilton Board of Parks Management – chaired by McQuesten – purchased just over 375 acres of land, marking the beginning of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The acquired lands included an abandoned gravel pit which was developed – from 1930-1931 as a Depression-era work project – into the first garden. The Rock Garden, as it was known, became an iconic destination for family outings, wedding photos and viewing floral displays.
The acquired lands included an abandoned gravel pit which was developed – from 1930-1931 as a Depression-era work project – into the first garden. The Rock Garden, as it was known, became an iconic destination for family outings, wedding photos and viewing floral displays.
Vintage postcard of the Rock Garden, Royal Botanical Garden
Retrieved from Etsy.com
Retrieved from Etsy.com
Public gardens need continuing attention. In the case of the Rock Garden, weather and wear took their toll. Significant work was needed if the Rock Garden was to remain open to the public. Through a capital project worthy of McQuesten himself, the RBG has undertaken a major renovation of the Rock Garden, with a re-opening celebration planned for April 2016.
Janet Rosenberg and Studio in Toronto has been tasked with "rejuvenating a beloved and historically significant garden within the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Master Plan strategy involves enhancing the horticultural collection, improving accessibility and circulation, improving parking, repairing and restoring damaged features, and introducing new elements. The Studio is also working in collaboration with CS&P Architects on a new Visitor Centre which includes a restaurant and event spaces."
Janet Rosenberg and Studio in Toronto has been tasked with "rejuvenating a beloved and historically significant garden within the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Master Plan strategy involves enhancing the horticultural collection, improving accessibility and circulation, improving parking, repairing and restoring damaged features, and introducing new elements. The Studio is also working in collaboration with CS&P Architects on a new Visitor Centre which includes a restaurant and event spaces."
Master Plan for renovated Rock Garden
Last month I was able to take an informal tour of the redesigned Rock Garden. For any gardener, a visit to a well-designed public garden is inspiring. We see botanical specimens at their best and we can appreciate what plantings executed on a grand scale bring to the landscape.
Here is my photo tour of the Rock Garden. The water features and walkways are new but the trees are old and still stately as they overlook new block plantings that are entirely contemporary.
Take a walk down into 'the bowl', as it is known.
Here is my photo tour of the Rock Garden. The water features and walkways are new but the trees are old and still stately as they overlook new block plantings that are entirely contemporary.
Take a walk down into 'the bowl', as it is known.
Notice how the plantings are reflected in the water feature that winds through the garden. At each bend in the path, there is a different view. The visitor is encouraged to linger and enjoy.
The new Visitor Centre (just visible in the centre, below) sits on the rim of the bowl, adding to the landscape without interfering with the flow of the garden's design.
I found the wide steps a beautiful echo of the garden's 'stoney' beginnings.
In fact, stone is used to good effect in all the new construction. Here, a stone wall features large pieces together with dry stacked limestone. The Visitor Centre can be viewed behind a mature tree – the old and new are blended.
Before you leave, take a moment to admire a few more trees in their tawny splendour. These Japanese maples thrive in the sheltered Zone 5b of the Rock Garden. If only my photos could do them justice.
Yes, Tom McQuesten did have a big idea.
As Sarah Rogers explains in her article 'Royal Garden', McQuesten sought a Royal designation from King George V which was granted in 1930. "McQuesten's motives for securing a Royal designation for the botanical garden were many. Of course, there was great value in being part of the worldwide Royal Botanical Garden family with such renowned gardens as Kew in England and the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh:, Rogers says. "But most important was the protection the Royal designation would provide for the gardens. McQuesten secured the future of the garden with the Royal designation as it served as an 'in perpetuity' clause protecting the land from commercial development and/or being severed."
Today, we are the beneficiaries of that vision and the horticultural skill that shaped the RGB into one of Canada's premiere public gardens. If you have an opportunity to visit, do.
As Sarah Rogers explains in her article 'Royal Garden', McQuesten sought a Royal designation from King George V which was granted in 1930. "McQuesten's motives for securing a Royal designation for the botanical garden were many. Of course, there was great value in being part of the worldwide Royal Botanical Garden family with such renowned gardens as Kew in England and the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh:, Rogers says. "But most important was the protection the Royal designation would provide for the gardens. McQuesten secured the future of the garden with the Royal designation as it served as an 'in perpetuity' clause protecting the land from commercial development and/or being severed."
Today, we are the beneficiaries of that vision and the horticultural skill that shaped the RGB into one of Canada's premiere public gardens. If you have an opportunity to visit, do.
Want to know more?
See the plan for the Rock Garden
Read how you can support the renovation of the Rock Garden
View other notable gardens on Canada's Garden Route
See the plan for the Rock Garden
Read how you can support the renovation of the Rock Garden
View other notable gardens on Canada's Garden Route
