silvergoldmagazine.ca
COMMUNITY
NEW ERA FOR ROCK GARDEN
– By Duncan Ross
On May 20, Royal Botanical Gardens opened the doors
to the new David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden,
following its three-year $20 million rejuvenation. RBG took
special care respecting the 80+ year old garden’s heritage, look
and feel while celebrating the beginning of a new era with
this beautiful, modern renovation.
The rejuvenated David Braley & Nancy Gordon Rock
Garden features over 40,000 new plants; new paths with
gentle grades making it more accessible to all guests; a visitor
experience that extends throughout the entire growing season
and beyond; upgraded lighting and sound allowing extended
hours and enhancing special events; and more green space
with which to further enrich RBG’s programming.
Visitor Centre
The garden finally has a state-of-the art facility to welcome
its visitors. The centre operates as the new main entrance and
houses a fully operational restaurant and conference facility
that accommodates up to
130 people for weddings, corporate and private functions.
The centre also features a look-out deck and patio that provides
guests with an optimal view of the garden’s lower bowl.
Dalglish Family Foundation Courtyard
Just outside the visitor centre, this elegant space serves as both
a welcoming point for guests making their way outdoors and
a venue for social occasions and gatherings. Alpine plants
representing true rock garden vegetation grow from beautiful
stone walls, and gentle waterfalls create an ideal atmosphere
for cocktail receptions and special events.
Water Features
Always a popular feature of the garden’s lower bowl, water
features have been enhanced to create synergy with surrounding
vegetation, meandering throughout the garden landscape and
captivating the senses. Few people have experienced Rock
Garden at night, and the addition of illuminated waterfalls
and spigots make for a truly remarkable, purely tranquil
experience.
Garden Areas
The gardens, designed by Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc.,
uses bold dr