floral vision for the capital

FLORAL VISION FOR THE CAPITAL
November 2009
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Document produced by
Beauregard et Associés
In collaboration with
Desjardins Marketing Stratégique Inc.
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NCC staff involved in this study
Contact persons
Michelle Comeau
Vice-president, Environment Capital Lands and Parks Branch
Daniel Miron
Director, Design and Construction
Marie Boulet
Director, Urban Lands and Transportation
Marc Corriveau
Acting Director, Urban Lands and Transportation
Gérald Lajeunesse
Chief, Landscape Architecture
Sylvie Tilden
Senior Manager, Commemorations, Public Art and Representation
Angeline Laffin
Senior Manager, Interpretation
Julie Mulligan
Project Manager
Dorota Grudniewicz
Landscape Architect
Mario Fournier
Manager, Lifecycle and Rehabilitation Program
Lucie Bureau
Principal Regional Planner
Mary Taylor
Strategic Planner, Interpretation
Pascale Laliberté
Programs Coordinator
Mark Burleton
Manager, Grounds and Greenhouses
Frank St-Pierre
Contract Management officer
Robert Batsch
Senior Industrial Designer
Jacqueline Hunt
Rehabilitation Project Officer
Micheline Mongeon
Contract Monitoring Officer
Carole Crossan
Junior Landscape Architect
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Table of Contents
1. History of the Capital Floral Program ................................................................ 5 2. Background and Objectives ............................................................................... 7 3. Striking a Balance between Beautification, the Capital Experience, and
Sustainable Development...................................................................................... 8 3.1. Capital experiences ......................................................................................... 9 3.2. Environmental issues ......................................................................................10 4. Methodology ....................................................................................................11 5. Key Trends and Tourism Profiles of the Study Area .......................................................12 5.1. In search of memorable experiences .................................................................12 6. Precedents and Trends in Floral Design............................................................14 7. Landscape Development Opportunities ............................................................16 8. Development of the Vision ...............................................................................21 8.1. NCC Staff Vision.............................................................................................21 8.2. Key success factors ........................................................................................22 8.3. Benefits for visitors ........................................................................................22 9. Strategic Positioning........................................................................................23 10. Proposed Vision: The Canada Gardens ...............................................................23 10.1. Overall conceptual vision ...............................................................................24 11. Program of Potential Activities ......................................................................26 11.1. Interactive features ......................................................................................26 11.2. Outdoor performances ..................................................................................26 11.3. Theme-based gardens ...................................................................................27 11.4. Guided tours ................................................................................................27 12. Floral Concept ................................................................................................29 12.1. Zone I: Horticultural and Arboricultural Node ...................................................31 12.1.1. Creating a significant node .......................................................................31 12.1.2 A strategic site: HMCS Carleton .................................................................32 12.1.3. Commissioner’s Park: landscape design potential.........................................33 12.2. Zone II: South shore of the Ottawa River ........................................................35 12.2.1. Front lawn of Parliament Hill ....................................................................35 12.2.2. Confederation Boulevard ..........................................................................37 iii
12.2.3. Promenade of Remembrance ....................................................................38 12.2.4. Front lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada ...............................................39 12.2.5. Other sites within the Parliamentary Precinct Area.......................................40 12.2.6. Major’s Hill Park, Nepean Point, and the National Gallery of Canada ...............40 12.3. Zone III: North shore of the Ottawa River .......................................................42 12.3.1. Jacques Cartier Park................................................................................42 12.3.2. Gardens of the Museum of Civilization .......................................................43 12.3.3. North shoreline of the Ottawa River ..........................................................43 12.3.4. Brewery Creek ........................................................................................44 12.4 Zone IV: Other Core Area Sites .......................................................................46 12.4.1. Entrances to bridges ...............................................................................46 12.4.2. River Walk and Islands ............................................................................47 12.4.3. Ottawa River Parkway, Rockcliffe Parkway, and Leamy Lake Parkway .............47 12.4.4. Private grounds and public boulevards .......................................................47 13. Potential Partners ..........................................................................................50 Appendix I: Substantial increase in nature watchers ......................................................II Appendix II: Ottawa, a Capital destination ................................................................. III Appendix III: The Outaouais, a region of repeat visitors .............................................. VII Appendix IV: Two tourist experience scenarios ............................................................ IX Appendix V: Summary description of floral opportunities in Commissioner’s Park ............XIII Appendix VI: Variable Management..................................................................... XXXVII Appendix VII: Eleven examples of successful gardens..................................................XL Appendix VIII: Vision for the Capital Floral Program Stakeholder Workshop,
March 12, 2009 ................................................................................ LIII iv
1. History of the Capital Floral Program
The floral program of the National Capital Commission (NCC) has played a crucial role in the
Capital since 1903 by beautifying the lawns of various national institutions and other public
spaces in Ottawa and Gatineau.
As early as 1860, small Victorian-style ornamental flower beds of intricate geometric shapes
and designs became part of the landscape at Rideau Hall, Major’s Hill Park, and Strathcona
Park (now a municipal park). These flower beds were designed to be admired up close by
pedestrians as they strolled through the grounds. From 1901 to 1911, vice-regal garden
competitions were established in Ottawa by Lady Minto and carried on by Lady Grey to
generate greater interest in the beautification of the nation’s Capital.
After World War II, the landscape architects with the Federal District Commission (NCC’s
predecessor) introduced a new style of planting consisting of large, simple, sweeping flower
beds that better reflected the principles of parkway design. These beds, largely viewed
from vehicles using the parkways, lent themselves to long interwoven bands of contrasting
or monochromatic colour schemes, creating sequential and repetitive design effects. These
spectacular floral displays began to attract tourists, resulting in the Capital gaining national
and international recognition as a springtime destination of horticultural interest.
The first tulip beds were planted in the 1940s in Commissioner’s Park, a large open space
along the Rideau Canal Driveway (later renamed Queen Elizabeth Drive), at Dow’s Lake. An
initial gift of 100,000 tulips, followed by an ongoing annual gift of 20,000 bulbs from
Princess Juliana of the Netherlands was the catalyst to an expanded planting program,
including spring tulips and summer annuals. The first-ever Canadian Tulip Festival was held
in the Capital in 1951.
Throughout the years, flower beds were added or expanded along the scenic driveways in
the Rideau Canal corridor and in the core area parks such as Major’s Hill Park and the
Garden of the Provinces, and at national institutions including Parliament Hill, the War
Memorial, and the official residences. A variety of scales and complexities of planting are
used to reflect diverse settings and variations in pedestrian, cycling and vehicular viewing
perspectives. Today, Commissioner’s Park remains the NCC’s horticultural hub and the
primary display area for the floral program, with a show of approximately 400,000 flowers
each year, in the spring and summer.
The spring bulbs program also includes daffodils, crocuses, and scilla. Beginning in the
1940s, these bulbs have been mainly naturalized in grass areas. One of the earliest and
most spectacular displays of naturalized bulbs can be found at the Rockcliffe Rockeries,
within a 20-hectare park. This secluded spring floral display, surrounded by flowering trees,
remains one of the Capital’s best-kept secrets.
The tulip program peaked in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, when 1,250,000 bulbs
were planted in the Capital. The last time an unusually extravagant program was carried
out was in 1988 in celebration of Destination 88, which included the grand opening of the
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National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. In 1988, the design of
many core-area floral beds introduced the mixing of different colours and species in the
same area to create more dynamic effects and the use of less dense, taller species to
create a layered, filtered effect over lower, denser species. These design concepts are now
part of common floral design practices at the NCC.
Although perennials were always a part of the plantings in the Capital, it was only in 1986
that extensive new perennial beds were added to Commissioner’s Park. They were designed
to complement the existing tulip and annual beds, and were located mainly at park entry
and focal points. The general planting layout for tulips was similar to that of the annual
beds. Masses of perennials, with a shorter flowering season, provided a more natural effect
with individual floral displays placed at various places on the grounds managed by the NCC.
In 2003 and 2004, the flower beds of the Garden of the Provinces were modified and
rejuvenated with extensive planting of peonies, lilacs, and crab apple trees.
Today, the floral program primarily involves bulbs (May) and annuals (from June to
September), found mainly in 100 formal flower beds that cover approximately 1.6 hectares,
with some naturalized bulb plantings. In addition to these permanent floral beds, 280
moveable planters and some 170 hanging baskets can be found in the Capital’s courtyards
and plazas, and along Confederation Boulevard. Approximately 200,000 annuals and
630,000 tulips are the core of the Capital’s yearly floral program. From 1969 to 1997, the
NCC grew its own bedding plants, giving it good control of the quality of its floral displays.
At present, annuals are grown as part of a yearly commercial production and maintenance
contract.
Every year, the NCC makes extensive human resource and financial investments to deliver
the Capital floral program to residents and visitors.
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2. Background and Objectives
The NCC and its predecessors have been responsible for planning in Canada’s Capital since
1899. Planning is managed in accordance with the National Capital Act (1988) under which
the NCC is responsible for planning, developing and improving the Capital, and organizing
and promoting public programs that enrich the cultural and social fabric of Canada.
This mandate sets out three main goals:
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Developing a meeting place;
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Communicating Canada to Canadians;
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Safeguarding and preserving.
The Plan for Canada’s Capital identifies beautification of the Capital as a central historical
and ongoing planning theme for the NCC.
The purpose of this study is to provide guidance by setting out as a goal a rejuvenated and
innovative floral program that will provide opportunities to communicate Canada’s history,
contribute to cultural development and promote education. The proposed vision relies on
tourism statistics and profiles new trends in floral design and management. It outlines a
strategic plan to implement an innovative program that will guide the design and
management of floral displays in the Capital for the next 10 years.
The main objectives of the floral program are to:
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Offer a floral program consistent with the city’s status as the Capital of Canada,
identifying the NCC as a leader in floral design and horticultural management;
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Ensure that the resulting floral impact reflects the extent of the resources invested
in the program;
•
Rejuvenate the floral program with a wide range of design ideas and thematic or
symbolic approaches that provide opportunities to learn or communicate messages
that complement the floral program;
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Identify new
opportunities.
or
strengthened
partnerships
and
expanded
programming
It was felt that developing a vision for tourism would undoubtedly help increase the number
of visitors and tourism dollars in the area. Moreover, research on planning, design and
maintenance would help improve floral displays and enhance the viability of the resulting
creations. The next logical step was to adapt the approach for the floral vision to current
sustainable development approaches and take them into account as part of the strategic
approach.
However, some biases remained. What benefit would sustainable development provide if the
results did not meet beautification objectives for the Capital? Could brightly coloured,
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spectacular flower beds be compatible with the use of native species? Are native species as
aesthetically pleasing as ornamental plant species? Can current horticultural practices be
adapted to sustainable practices? Could the added participation of the private sector help to
take the floral program to a higher level of excellence?
These are the concerns that needed to be addressed in order to persuade and encourage
the NCC to adopt this approach.
Accordingly, these premises were the basis for the research conducted as part of this study.
The objective was to create an aesthetically-pleasing experience that respects and
encourages new sustainable development and design approaches in order to position the
NCC as a leader in beautification.
3. Striking a Balance between Beautification, the Capital Experience, and
Sustainable Development
In the past, the efforts of the NCC focused largely on beautification of the Capital. To do
so, the Commission devoted a significant amount of human resources to plan, develop, and
establish programs and implement projects that have had a major impact on the Capital.
However, changing issues and priorities mean that the NCC must constantly adapt in order
to respond to these changes and to help society evolve.
Cities are continually being transformed, influenced by what is happening elsewhere in the
world and by the desire to create the best possible living conditions for their citizens. This
evolution provides an important economic contribution that stimulates urban growth and
leadership in urban design that will encourage people to stay. Capital cities contribute
greatly to defining new directions for urban development. Both nationally and globally, their
image is important because they are a showcase of the nation.
At the dawn of the 21 st century, economic and environmental challenges are particularly
crucial. Experts are forecasting the most serious economic crisis in decades. The
environmental alarm has sounded. This is the era of Kyoto, Action 21, and a whole range of
measures to be implemented to ensure the future of generations to come. We need to
become greener. We need to do more with fewer financial and human resources. The Floral
Vision for the Capital is in line with these objectives.
Are we ready? Do we really have a choice? All of the working approaches have not yet been
established, as they are still under consideration all over the world. The NCC also needs to
take advantage of opportunities that may arise. It needs to join this movement in a realistic
manner. Reasoning, innovating, and adapting are key terms for the coming years.
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3.1. Capital experiences
Implementing the floral program should help to increase the number of visitors to the
Capital as well as visitations by residents of the Capital region. This increased visitor traffic
will give rise to greater opportunities for exchanges both among local residents and
between local residents and visitors, particularly during festivals, beautification
competitions, and many other activities. In this way, visitors who want to know more about
local culture can take part in the activities, which will provide them with opportunities to
meet and talk with other Canadians through conferences and symposiums, festivals,
performances, and other activities.
Showcasing Canadian historic and cultural symbols through artistic endeavours or other
landscape features that could be incorporated into site modifications could provide
opportunities for cultural and social enrichment, awareness, and learning for Canadians.
Site interpretation could also provide an opportunity to communicate Canadian values to
Canadian and foreign visitors. Meaningful components of Canadian culture could be
highlighted through landscape design and interpretation programs, producing an
experience-based tourist attraction.
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3.2. Environmental issues
Sustainable development issues involve the conservation and preservation of natural
environments. The identity of Canadian landscapes is inextricably linked to their
preservation and conservation. The natural landscape, including wildlife, flora,
geomorphology, and climate contribute to the development of a distinctly Canadian identity.
This is the essence of the beauty of our country. Enhancing landscapes begins with the
preservation of what exists. The use of native plants maintains the identity of the Canadian
landscapes, in addition to preserving their biodiversity. This also involves better
management of natural resources and limiting various types of pollution. However, the
environment is not exclusively about plant life. Managing surface water, by means of rain
gardens, helps to reduce the degradation of streams and rivers. This issue is very important
for the preservation of water resources and relies on the knowledge of landscape architects,
horticulturalists, and botanists to appropriately develop sites, ensure surface drainage, and
select appropriate plant material.
The creation of naturalized sites and horticultural beautification programs are among the
preferred approaches used by the NCC in establishing its leadership in the beautification of
the Capital. On the one hand, the underlying natural setting contributes to the identity of
the city and to its beautification, and on the other, floral design can highlight the
architectural features of the city as well as its symbols and its history. The resulting urban
fabric improves the living environment of its citizens, who will have an even greater
appreciation of their surroundings and will be more concerned with ensuring its
preservation.
On a cultural and social level, strengthening the identity of Canadian landscapes, combined
with diversification and the transmission of knowledge, fosters intergenerational exchanges
and provides opportunities for dialogue and learning.
Environmental education is a form of sustainable development, because it results in the
transfer of knowledge to the public. Site interpretation, the setting, works of art, and the
integration of museum exhibits are among the means used to help raise public awareness
about the environment and communicate this value to Canadians. By incorporating these
approaches into the gardens, visitors benefit from learning something new.
From an economic perspective, the benefits involve optimizing human and physical
resources, adapting materials, and providing a better understanding of the work required.
This leads to better cost optimization. Sustainable floral design, for example, tends to
better manage natural resources through a “variable management” approach that takes into
account human effort and ecological diversity. This new form of management proposes to
manage the design and maintenance of green spaces without applying the same level of
effort in all areas. ,More specifically, there is a need to strike a balance between
horticulture and nature, between ornamental and native plants. Appendix VI contains a list
of activities, objectives, and outcomes using variable management methods.
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4. Methodology
In developing a new vision for the NCC’s floral program, the first crucial step was to have
an overall understanding of the current situation by conducting an analysis of the policy
environment of the Capital Floral Program. This study was divided as follows:
•
field visits;
•
research and analysis of the available literature;
•
benchmarking / comparative analyses;
•
qualitative interviews;
•
creativity workshop.
Field visits: First, landscape architects from Beauregard et Associés visited various wellestablished gardens, parks, and floral attractions in Canada (Hamilton, Quebec City,
Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls) between May and September 2008 to view the various
floral displays and the various types of experiences available to visitors. The firm’s experts
also traveled to Ottawa to visit the NCC’s current floral displays (Commissioner’s Park,
Parliament Hill, the city’s floral circuit). In addition, one of the team consultants attended a
“Tourism and Gardens” conference in Europe in September 2008.
Document research and analysis: To broaden our understanding of the policy environment,
we conducted extensive research into the existing literature, especially with regard to
overall tourism trends and to the profiles of the tourist clienteles visiting Ottawa and the
Outaouais. We also did some research on Canada’s core values by consulting various official
government documents (Charters, declarations, etc.) in order to draw from our analysis the
basic principles and values that must be conveyed through the NCC’s floral program.
Comparative analyses: We also examined and analyzed comparable models of floral
experiences from around the world (gardens of Asia, Europe, America) to establish a list of
elements that are essential to the development of the new floral program concept. Eleven
exemplary gardens were selected for the purposes of our analysis.
Qualitative interviews: As a complement to our research, qualitative interviews were
conducted with two separate groups – namely, the various NCC staff involved in the floral
program, and representatives of the tourism industry in Ottawa and the Outaouais. NCC
staff members were asked to give their opinion of the key factors considered essential to
the success of the floral program, while actors from the tourism industry (City of Ottawa,
Tourism Ottawa, Tourisme Outaouais) provided additional details about tourist profiles and
the various events and attractions in the area.
Creativity workshop: These activities were followed by a creativity workshop with the NCC
staff to hear ideas and comments about the new vision for the floral program. This meeting
helped consolidate the conceptual foundations of the vision and strengthen it with
suggestions from within the NCC.
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The next step was to proceed with a summary of the policy setting in order to develop a
new vision for the NCC’s floral program, a vision that would embody the key factors for
success and generate enthusiasm among visitors to Ottawa and the Outaouais region.
5. Key Trends and Tourism Profiles of the Study Area
5.1. In search of memorable experiences
The new realities of the 21 st century – the constant improvements in transportation, the
emergence of large global economic blocks, and major demographic transformations – have
an impact on the tourism industry. These changes have resulted in the democratization of
travel and an explosion in the number of tourist destinations, each one more attractive than
the next.
New emerging trends have been observed in the past few years: 1
•
The retirement of baby boomers, who will have more time and money for travelling;
•
The expanding clientele made up of families, , for both pleasure and business trips,
which is becoming a crucial element in the supply of tourist services;
•
The growing share of women as business clients and conference attendees, which
has already led to changes in the products and services aimed at this clientele;
•
The emergence of a new significant client segment, the “tweens,” or preadolescents
aged 9 to 14 years. They represent a huge market because of their surprising buying
power and their influence on family decisions in all areas. “Tweens” have become a
new type of vacationer. This does not mean that family trips are coming to an end
but points instead to a change in direction—the “tweens”;
•
The desire to learn, which favours cultural tourism to authentic, appealing, and
exotic destinations;
•
The specialization of interests, which is leading to growth in theme-based travel and
the proliferation of the products and activities offered to appeal to these narrower
interests.
With ongoing developments in information technology and greater access to these
technologies, consumers are now better informed and more demanding than ever before.
Tourists expect a product that has an excellent price/quality ratio and that meets the
expectations advertised and sold to them.
The diversification and increase in tourism clients has already had a significant impact on
visitor behaviours. The most notable include:
1
Tourisme Québec, Grandes tendances de la demande touristique , 2001.
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•
increased travel in smaller groups;
•
increased travel to local markets;
•
the priority given to vacations/recreation in household budgets.
Moreover, consumers are increasingly seeking unique tourism experiences based on
physical, emotional, and intellectual involvement. Pleasure, well-being, and the pursuit of
inner peace are characteristics of these new experiences. A survey of U.S. and Canadian
tourists conducted in 2006 2 found that the most sought-after tourism experiences were to:
•
see or do something new;
•
break away from the ordinary;
•
relax and reduce stress;
•
create lasting memories;
•
learn about other cultures.
See Appendices I, II, III, and IV for further information on tourism-related trends and
statistics.
2
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, 2006.
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6. Precedents and Trends in Floral Design
We searched for examples of leading floral attractions that were innovative, tourism-driven,
and aesthetically pleasing. Our search was not limited by size of display or duration. The
selection of examples was focussed on success, ideas, and the purpose behind the
landscape design. The key factors of the success of these parks and gardens were analyzed.
Appendix VII describes 11 examples of such attractions. They are:
•
Jardins de Métis/Reford Festival
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Brussels’ Floral Carpet
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Eden Project
•
Crystal Garden
•
Secret Gardens of Cahors
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Keukenhof Floral Displays
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Gardens of Rivau Castle
•
Gardens of Wisley
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Séricourt Garden
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Gardens of the Imagination
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Assiniboine Park
Some findings:
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Visitors are drawn by spectacular, large-scale attractions that can also be enhanced
at night with appropriate lighting;
•
Works of art and other short-lived features incorporated into the gardens are forms
of expression that help emphasize plant material and vice versa. They can reach out
to educate and raise awareness among visitors;
•
Creativity is unlimited. Things can be done in many ways. Who would have imagined
combining crystal with plants? Or symbolizing champagne through a garden?
•
A garden circuit is one way to help visitors discover the history of a city;
•
The use of annual themes enhances the attraction of a garden, fosters greater
harmony between landscape designs, builds visitor loyalty, and draws new clients;
•
Children represent a target audience that multiplies the number of visitors. Displays
geared toward children are successful when they appeal to their imagination and
narrate tales from the world of magic;
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•
Water adds animation in a garden. It can be present in various forms;
•
Mixed flower beds help enhance the appeal of a garden with the diversity of species
presented;
•
Innovative floral beds and new floral trends are highly sought after by visitors
hoping to glean some ideas for their own gardens.
•
Wildflower collections can offer attractions of specific interest for horticulture
enthusiasts.
•
•
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7. Landscape Development Opportunities
Site visits were conducted during the Tulip Festival; in the summer, comparable projects
were researched, and photographs of existing flower beds analyzed. This approach helped
reveal landscape development opportunities. These opportunities include improvements to
the floral plan for urban spaces and types of adjustments that could be made in terms of
plant material and planting design in these spaces.
Meetings and consultations with NCC staff helped to focus the research work on a more
sustainable definition of landscape design.
The landscape development opportunities identified involve existing flower beds, parks
located along the floral circuit, existing natural areas, the most visited and most visible
tourist areas, monuments and historic sites, museums, and potential restoration sites.
The first landscape development category includes existing natural areas to be protected
and areas that have naturalization potential. The Rideau Canal corridor, part of a
designated World Heritage Site, needs to be protected, as do the shores of the Ottawa
River, which also present great naturalization opportunities (water and land) as well as an
important recreational role.
z
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The second landscape development category includes sites that could be enhanced using
more abundant floral displays. Areas that are highly visible because of their location, such
as entrances to the Capital, national historic buildings, public places and monuments, and
open spaces favoured by residents and visitors, are priority sites for floral enhancement.
The third landscape development category covers sites steeped in history or adjacent to
museums. They offer potential for the interpretation of historic, artistic, and cultural
themes. In addition, they lend themselves well to incorporating works of art and themebased gardens.
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All available spaces, particularly on Parliament Hill, also have beautification potential. These
sites can accommodate all types of plant material, to suit established site development
concepts, design options, and planning objectives. Accordingly, the mixed plantings
category has been created to cover this type of opportunity.
Other paved and built-up sites, such as public plazas and courtyards, low walls, sidewalks,
building entrances, etc., can also be beautified by introducing seating along sidewalks
surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, hanging baskets, and planters.
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The multiple points of view received during the study led us to prioritize certain areas
because of their great potential and their high visitation rates. Accordingly, priority should
be given to the most visible sites, the sites most often visited, areas of convergence, and
sites that have the greatest historical and symbolic significance. In terms of attracting
visitors who seek floral displays, Commissioner’s Park and Parliament Hill are the top two
strategic locations in the Capital. Parliament Hill owes its significance to the symbolic and
cultural values of the federal seat of government and to the foot traffic observed at the
height of the tourist season. Commissioner’s Park benefits from its location near the Central
Experimental Farm, the Dominion Arboretum, and the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, as well as
the future site of the Botanical Gardens (see map, Vision for the Capital Floral Program:
Floral Opportunities and Priorities, next page).
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8. Development of the Vision
8.1. NCC Staff Vision
A number of NCC staff members were given an opportunity to share their personal vision of the
floral program for the coming years at a meeting held in Ottawa on October 29, 2008. The following
is a summary of what was envisioned for the floral program, what it should contain, and what it
should represent in the eyes of visitors and area residents.
Pride and belonging: NCC staff members unanimously agreed that the floral program
should be a source of pride and instil a sense of belonging in all Canadians. The floral
program must showcase the cultural wealth and diversity that is the hallmark of Canadian
society. Canadians need to see a reflection of themselves in the NCC’s floral program, and
visitors from around the world should have an appreciation of Canadian diversity and
beauty after visiting the floral displays.
Sustainable development: The NCC’s floral program should also reflect Canada’s global
conscience and its commitment to promoting sustainable development. Mindful of the
environment, the floral program should focus on landscape design and plant material
selections that will have the least possible disruptive impact on current ecosystems. It is
also an excellent opportunity to showcase expertise in sustainable management – e.g.
rainwater collection, etc.
Aesthetic appeal: The NCC’s floral program should offer its various target audiences not
only exceptional and original flower varieties, but also floral and spatial designs that will
amaze visitors. The floral program must be an absolute pleasure for all five senses. The
aesthetic component is therefore crucial to the project.
Educational program: The NCC’ s floral program must also aim to convey educational
content for visitors of all ages, such as descriptions of flowers on display, their history,
their maintenance, their origin, etc. Intellectual stimulation should be at the heart of NCC
floral design.
Interactivity: The floral program should not offer only passive viewing by visitors. The
NCC should offer interactive features to stimulate visitor learning and amazement.
Horticultural tours and lectures, and games for children, should be offered.
Memorable experience: In keeping with current tourism trends, the floral program should
give all visitors a memorable experience, an experience that will involve them physically,
emotionally, and intellectually. A “Wow!” experience with a variety of themes that will
change over the years, encouraging visitors to return in the future and local residents to
visit regularly.
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8.2. Key success factors
The following factors are essential to the success of the NCC’s floral program with both
visitors and area residents:
Attractiveness: The floral program must have components that will dazzle visitors and
become one of the Capital’s main attractions. The NCC will need to expend major efforts in
communications and promotion. The proposed experience should become a feature product.
Innovation: The floral program needs to reinvent itself, to offer new, unusual and
innovative elements to the public. The NCC needs to take steps to offer more than a passive
viewing experience to visitors; a forward-looking approach is a priority.
Symbolism: Through its design, the floral program needs to convey elements that
symbolize Canada’s history and cultural diversity. Floral arrangements need to convey
symbolic content.
Visual beauty: The NCC needs to offer an extraordinary floral program that will
significantly beautify the National Capital of Canada.
Sustainability: The vision for the floral program needs to be expanded by adding
sustainable development objectives that will make Ottawa an outstanding attraction on the
eco-tourism circuit.
Interactivity: The NCC floral program needs to offer interactive and educational activities
for visitors to encourage intellectual involvement.
Mobilization of regional and national partners: The NCC’s success relies on the
cooperation and mobilization of a number of organizations and regional and national
partners who will contribute their own floral efforts to give the Capital floral program the
critical mass it needs to be outstanding. They also need to become partners in the
promotion of the floral program to ensure ongoing funding.
8.3. Benefits for visitors
It is essential that the NCC’s vision for the new floral program convey certain critical values
and benefits to visitors:
Cultural enrichment of visitors: By visiting an NCC floral display, visitors will learn more
about Canada’s historic and cultural heritage, including that of its provinces and territories.
A sense of national pride: With its new exemplary, avant-gardist, and dazzling designs,
rich in cultural content, the NCC’s floral program will generate a sense of national pride
among Canadians who will readily praise the merits of this attraction.
Intellectual stimulation and awareness: Through its educational activities and the goal
of promoting sustainable development, the floral program will seek to stimulate visitor
22
understanding of environmental issues in the new millennium and to raise their awareness
about the richness of our ecosystems. By promoting sustainable horticultural practices, the
floral program can hope to have a real influence on the behaviour of visitors.
Emotional stimulation and entertainment: Visitors and local residents should have
strong and memorable experiences as part of their visit of the floral program; all five
senses should be engaged and stimulated by entertaining attractions.
9. Strategic Positioning
The National Capital Commission has expressed a desire to rejuvenate and reinvent its floral
program over the next 10 years. An analysis and interpretation of the various expectations
raised and suggestions made by NCC staff showed that the new NCC floral program cannot
remain a brief passive experience for visitors and residents who travel throughout the
Capital. Accordingly, the National Capital’s floral program must, in the future, strive:
To become, by mobilizing the participation of regional and national
players, one of the most attractive and innovative floral displays in
Canada, thus shaping Canada’s Capital Region as a symbol of our
heritage.
In the future, floral displays will no longer be a mere visual offering to visitors throughout
their journey, but rather a well-rounded tourist attraction within the Capital. Accordingly, a
vision is needed which will amaze visitors to the nation’s Capital.
10. Proposed Vision: The Canada Gardens
Following an analysis of broad tourism trends, statistical data on tourism profiles observed
in the Capital, and the main NCC recommendations, an overall vision was developed for the
National Capital’s new floral concept. It is a long-term and mobilizing vision that contains
everything needed to become one of the main attractions in the Capital and surrounding
area. This vision is called:
The Canada Gardens are a group of floral displays that will be established in various
strategic areas of the Capital. The Canada Gardens will be a reflection of the unity and the
great diversity which characterizes Canada and Canadians from coast to coast to coast. The
“national” concept in this sense is important because it sets out its degree of magnitude.
23
In keeping with the NCC’s mandate, the Canada Gardens are a way for Canadians to:
•
protect and convey our ideals;
•
express our identity and transmit our symbols;
•
demonstrate our innovative spirit and know-how;
•
protect and share the diversity and scale of our open spaces;
•
show our openness to the world.
10.1. Overall conceptual vision
The Canada Gardens concept can be compared to a flower.
Like the roots of a flower, the Canada Gardens concept is based on and rooted in the depth
of Canadian heritage, enriched by its exceptional historical character and its broad cultural
and artistic diversity, as well as by its involvement in the global arena..
Like the stem of a flower, the Canada Gardens concept hinges on and takes form around
sustainable development—a global issue of primary importance at the dawn of the new
millennium. By focussing on sustainable development, the Canada Gardens concept fully
endorses environmental responsibility and becomes an exemplary model of eco-tourism.
Like the corolla of a flower, the Canada Gardens concept offers a series of experiences that
embody the six essential values that all visitors can experience. These values are:
•
beauty: visitors will be dazzled by the splendour of floral arrangements, true works
of art created by numerous Canadian floral designers;
•
dreams: the Canada Gardens will offer playful and memorable experiences that will
amaze both children and adults;
•
interactivity:
with
numerous
interactive
features
(workshops,
games,
performances), visitors will become physically and emotionally involved in the
Canada Gardens experience;
•
knowledge: with educational activities, the Canada Gardens will become a place for
knowledge-sharing, where visitors can learn more about Canadian history and
culture, the origins of certain flowers, and about horticulture in general;
•
awareness: through the presentation of sustainable floral designs and the
educational content of the Canada Gardens, visitors will gain a better understanding
of broader environmental issues and will be more likely to adjust their day-to-day
conduct to preserve the biodiversity of our environment;
24
•
openness to the world: by offering floral gardens designed to reflect cultural
diversity within Canada, the Canada Gardens will help visitors discover the rich
influences that exist from around the world.
Finally, like the soft scent that wafts from a flower, a sense of pride and unity among
Canadians will be the fragrance that emanates from the Canada Gardens. The gardens will
symbolize Canada’s central characteristics and values – that is, its unique history, great
cultural richness, spirit of openness to the world, and a global conscience.
Canadians’ Sense of Pride and Belonging
The Canada Gardens will be a cohesive group of theme-based gardens and floral displays in
various strategic areas of the Capital, connected by a floral circuit along strategic streets
and pathways that guide visitors in their travels. Multiple horticulture-related activities will
be offered to visitors and Canadians; these activities will be held throughout the various
venues of the NCC floral program.
25
11. Program of Potential Activities
The Canada Gardens program of activities will begin in the spring and extend into early fall,
with the potential to continue throughout the winter. Because it spans the four seasons, the
NCC’s potential floral program will comprise mainly:
•
in spring: a variety of spring bulbs, perennials, and flowering trees and shrubs;
•
in summer: annuals, perennials, flowering shrubs;
•
in fall: chrysanthemums, perennials, and fall bulbs;
•
in winter: coloured branches, berries and ornamental grasses.
11.1. Interactive features
Interactive features, open to the public, could be offered weekly before and after the high
season, and on a daily basis during the months of June, July, and August. Some potential
activities include:
•
conferences and guided tours of the gardens;
•
floral displays, scavenger hunts and other games using pathways to search for
specific plants, monuments and works of art;
•
national photography competitions featuring various themes such as insects, trees,
and people in gardens;
•
an interprovincial garden design competition.
11.2. Outdoor performances
A diversity of offerings would be advisable with regard to outdoor performances. The
various performances could include dance, theatre, music, and art, all designed to enliven
and complement the garden experience. The program of activities should be contextsensitive. The scale and type of the activities should not jeopardize or compromise the
peace and tranquility of the gardens, ensuring that they meet the needs of visitors seeking
a relaxing environment.
26
11.3. Theme-based gardens
The theme-based gardens near Parliament Hill and Commissioner’s Park could be unveiled
in May and opened to the public during the three seasons of the floral program. The
following themes are proposed as examples:
•
Canadian Heritage Gardens: These gardens will showcase Canada’s cultural
diversity by representing the various emblems and symbols of the provinces (flags,
coats of arms, official flowers). They will also be places in which historic and cultural
heritage are featured (folklore, tales and legends, natural attractions, etc.). The
Canada Gardens may be comprised of (1) a garden in which all of the provinces and
territories of Canada are represented; (2) a garden in which one province is featured
every year; and (3) a permanent garden featuring Aboriginal culture.
•
Garden of Remembrance: A commemorative place that marks important dates in
Canada’s history. This unique area would represent the passage of time and various
eras through floral designs.
•
Secret Gardens: A series of floral gardens that would surprise and dazzle visitors.
Creative works, fantasy displays, and multi-sensory effects would delight young and
old alike. The Secret Gardens would contain poetic places offering a chance to
escape and to dream, designed by renowned Canadian artists.
•
International Gardens: A large area in which the main objective would be to
reinforce the environmental, horticultural, and arboricultural node, while educating
visitors and teaching them more about sustainable development issues. This garden
would showcase the full richness and diversity of flora; visitors would discover the
diversity of the world’s ecosystems.
A wide range of possibilities exists for specific theme-based gardens. A significant effort
would be required to integrate public works of art, to commemorate significant events, and
to provide a clear interpretation of the gardens and the plants they contain.
11.4. Guided tours
Guided tours of the gardens could be organized using key circuits such as the ceremonial
route and the parkways. Floral circuits could be designed specifically for a cycling or
walking experience. The main waterways such as the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River
could offer a unique perspective for viewing native plants and naturalized bulbs.
A brochure highlighting the location of the main gardens in the Capital could serve as a
guide for visitors. Guided tours of historic gardens, including Maplelawn, the MacKenzie
King Estate, Rideau Hall, and Laurier House could also be developed. Respected garden
writers and well-known gardeners could be invited to lead tours of the garden circuits in the
Capital.
27
An expansive floral carpet depicting Canada could be unveiled on Canada Day. Another
potential activity that could be added to the program late in the summer is a fireworks
display on Dow’s Lake, beside Commissioner’s Park.
Potential Program of Activities
Activities
May June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Unveiling of circuit
Floral parade on the Rideau Canal
Tulip Festival
International Garden
Horticulture workshops
Jazz performances
“Discover scents” workshop
Blues performances
Dance performances
Musical performances
Theatre
Fireworks
Special Halloween activity
Tulip Festival
Historical Garden
Canada Gardens
Secret Garden
Jazz performances
Blues performances
Unveiling of Floral Carpet of Canada
Symphony orchestra performance
28
12. Floral Concept
The floral concept focuses on linking the two major nodes of the floral vision for the Capital
through floral designs that feature native plants as well as shrubs and bulbs in beds
interspersed along the length of Rideau Canal corridor. This link, which can be travelled by
boat, on foot, by bicycle or vehicle, would create a circuit that showcases the majority of
the Capital’s gardens.
For descriptive purposes, we have divided the National Capital Region into four zones,
which include garden groupings that could potentially be part of the same development
phase.
Zone I: Horticultural and Arboricultural Node - includes Commissioner’s Park located along
Queen Elizabeth Drive and the Rideau Canal, as well as the gardens of the Central
Experimental Farm (CEF).
Zone II: South Shore of the Ottawa River - covers Parliament Hill and the southwest
shoreline of the Ottawa River, Major’s Hill Park, the National Gallery of Canada, and the
Rockcliffe Parkway.
Zone III: North Shore of the Ottawa River - covers the north shore of the Ottawa River.
Zone IV: Other Core Area Sites - an overview of the remaining sites (see map of Capital
sites that are part of the overall vision on the next page).
29
30
12.1. Zone I: Horticultural and Arboricultural Node
12.1.1. Creating a significant node
A floral vision for the Capital calls for the presence of major floral attractions.
Complementary vocations and interests among various sites and the potential for synergy of
efforts between potential partners could contribute to achieving this objective. The various
components of the horticultural and arboricultural node include:
•
Commissioner’s Park (1930s), the National Capital Commission’s major floral display
sites;
•
the Dominion Arboretum (1889), the Central Experimental Farm’s national collection
of century-old trees;
•
the Ornamental Gardens (1889), the CEF’s horticultural showcase, dating back to the
origins of the Farm, with collections of cultivars bred through numerous horticultural
research projects;
•
the Fletcher Wildlife Garden (1990), located within the CEF and maintained by the
Ottawa Field Naturalists Club, is a demonstration garden for natural habitats and
native species;
•
the future botanical garden, on a site that has been identified within the CEF lands.
Ornamental Gardens (CEF)
31
Ornamental Gardens (CEF)
Dominion Arboretum (CEF)
Fletcher Wildlife Garden (CEF)
12.1.2 A strategic site: HMCS Carleton
HMCS Carleton , the Department of National Defence (DND) site at the edge of Dow’s Lake
(Parks Canada), is surrounded by Commissioner’s Park, the Dow’s Lake Pavilion, marina,
and parking lot (NCC), and the Dominion Arboretum (CEF).
Because of its pivotal location, this is a strategic site for the floral program, since it could
serve as an important link between Commissioner’s Park and other floral sites of the CEF
owned by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The options available include the relocation of the HMCS facility, and working with DND to
create a context-sensitive, multi-use facility.
Such a facility would provide a better
transition between the Dominion Arboretum and Commissioner’s Park, as well as training
rooms, exhibit and demonstration halls, and an outdoor plaza that could be used for cadet
training as well as for horticultural, gardening, and environmental education and events.
32
Pavilion/Marina
Location of a strategic site between the Central Experimental Farm, Dow’s Lake, and
Commissioner’s Park
12.1.3. Commissioner’s Park: landscape design potential
Commissioner’s Park is part of a major recreational and tourist area in the Capital. Each
spring 300,000 tulips draw hundreds of thousands of visitors who stroll through this 8.5
hectare site, particularly during the Canadian Tulip Festival. Each summer, tulip beds are
replaced with annuals that unfortunately are not as popular as a floral destination. The park
also features beautiful mature trees that complement the vast areas of flower beds and
lawns.
The origins of the tulip displays at Commissioner’s Park date back to World War II, when
Canada hosted Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands between 1940 and 1945. After
Liberation, Princess Juliana and the Dutch people made a large number of gifts to Canada,
including 100,000 tulip bulbs as a way of giving thanks for the role played by Canadian
troops in liberating their country and for providing a safe harbour for the royal family in
Canada. These tulips were in turn given to the NCC to plant on behalf of the people of
Canada.
Queen Elizabeth Drive, built in 1927 as the Rideau Canal Driveway, is one of Ottawa’s
scenic driveways, leading motorists and others to Commissioner’s Park from the heart of the
city. A recreational pathway, part of the Capital Pathway Network, also travels through this
corridor along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
33
Display of naturalized tulips
Commissioner’s Park: Summary of key recommendations
Commissioner’s Park can be divided into three main sectors:
•
the Entrance Sector, in northwest area of the park, near the intersection of Queen
Elizabeth Drive, Prince of Wales Drive, and Preston Street;
•
the Central Sector, containing the majority of the mature trees and perennial beds;
and
•
the Southern Sector, the area of the park containing the oldest flower beds.
The erection of a fountain at the entrance to the park is recommended to draw people into
the park and encourage them to gather together to observe the animation created by the
jets of water and sculptures. The addition of benches would allow people to sit and relax.
The entrance to Commissioner’s Park leads to an expansive lawn area that could become a
major floral attraction because of its size, originality, and novelty. The tulip garden designs
at Keukenhof (Netherlands), the Mosaïcultures internationales de Montréal, and the
ephemeral gardens that are sprouting in various regions of the world are models that can
serve as inspirations in developing this type of attraction. The park’s main pathway follows
a vegetated buffer of trees and shrubs that could be enhanced by the addition of large
34
flower beds of perennials and grasses, interplanted with annuals and bulbs. This main
pathway leads to an open area in which the central element is a sculpture entitled Man With
Two Hats , which was donated to Canada in 2002 by the people of the Netherlands. This site
is clearly visible to motorists driving along Queen Elizabeth Drive. This area should be
enhanced by adding flowers and a garden.
The central sector of the park is a large area that could be broken down into three
subsectors, each of which could play a distinctive role, such as a Children’s Garden, small
floral meeting areas, and demonstration gardens. Many large trees in this sector are
magnificent. These trees offer the possibility of providing sheltered and more intimate
spaces for children ranging in age from 3 to 12 years. This playful garden could be created
to encourage developmental activities in a setting that features sculptures to stimulate
children’s imagination and provide opportunities for learning and discovery. For adults,
smaller sitting areas immersed within a garden could be designed to encourage the viewing
of plants and the discovery of new varieties, or simply to allow people to meditate, dream,
or chat. Some demonstration gardens could be added to the sitting areas to show new,
more sustainable approaches to beautification. The undergrowth and flower beds created in
openings should reflect a more naturalized approach, using bulbs, grasses, and native
plants.
The southern sector provides an outstanding floral exhibition area which could consist of an
intricate arrangement of flower beds featuring spring bulbs, summer annuals, and fall
flowers. A “Valley of the Flowers” could build upon the existing pathway network to provide
multiple pathways completely surrounded by flowers, offering a floral immersion
experience. Interpretative panels and works of art could be incorporated into these flower
beds.
Finally, Queen Elizabeth Drive parallels both the length of Commissioner’s Park and the
Dow’s Lake shoreline. This shoreline, which also contains the multi-use recreational
pathway, could become more naturalized, thus creating a more natural setting while
offering horticultural points of interest. The main access pathways leading to
Commissioner’s Park could be highlighted with interesting floral displays to emphasize their
locations.
In short, expansive lawns would increasingly give way to a diversified mix of vegetation
that would be more in keeping with current sustainable development approaches.
12.2. Zone II: South shore of the Ottawa River
12.2.1. Front lawn of Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill poses a particular challenge, because with the exception of existing floral
beds, the NCC does not have responsibility for the planning and design of the grounds
around the Parliament Buildings. The NCC does, however, maintain these grounds on behalf
of Public Works and Government Services Canada. The historic nature of the site, frequent
ceremonial activities such as the Changing of the Guard, and festival activities such as
35
Canada Day severely limit the types of floral interventions that can be achieved, particularly
in front of the Parliament buildings. However, the high visibility of this iconic landscape
through television and tourism campaigns calls for a review of the area’s floral potential.
The development of a floral strategy that takes into account the limitations and importance
of this internationally recognized site (through television and post cards, for example) is a
very important element of any capital city’s floral program.
At a minimum, the entrance to the main Parliament building with the Peace Tower as its
iconic central focal point, including the small walled-in gardens below the entrance, is in
urgent need of beautification. The front flower beds are in need of rejuvenation and
expansion to enhance the beauty of the setting and the appearance of the building. The two
areas on either side of the entrance could also be enhanced with shrubs or large perennials.
Flower beds in front of the Parliament
The installation of moveable planters and floral baskets hanging from lamp posts could
enhance the floral presence on the front lawn of Parliament Hill. The small central island of
turf sloping down to Wellington Street could also be enriched with a more formal,
diversified, and attractive floral display featuring more vibrant colours.
The masses of crocuses that flower in the spring along the embankment that follows the
fence in front of Parliament Hill would be maintained, due to their long history and the role
they play embellishing the Wellington Street sidewalk corridor. They are a yearly harbinger
of spring in the Capital.
36
Landscaping in front of the United States Capitol in Washington
12.2.2. Confederation Boulevard
Confederation Boulevard is the NCC’s flagship urban-development project and the Capital’s
main ceremonial and discovery route. It is a 7.5–kilometre streetscape linking both
provinces and several major national institutions. It is the focus of year-round national
celebrations, events, and interpretative programs.
Its floral design treatment should receive priority attention. Confederation Boulevard is a
high-visibility route, which presents many opportunities to beautify the Capital. Moreover,
because it connects numerous federal government buildings, the treatment of open spaces
around these buildings could by undertaken in a coordinated manner and in harmony with
the overall landscape design of Confederation Boulevard.
37
Significance of Confederation Boulevard (orange) to the floral vision
Sussex Drive Corridor
Many small parks and open spaces exist along this ceremonial drive to the official residence
of the Prime Minister and Rideau Hall. The Sussex Drive corridor is home to embassies and
official residences, and many of the sites offer magnificent panoramic, elevated views of the
Ottawa River.
Many of these parks and open spaces are visible from Sussex Drive. They should be
inventoried and assessed to determine how the NCC, in partnership with other federal
landowners, could develop some theme-based floral designs for this important corridor.
12.2.3. Promenade of Remembrance
Many monuments are found along the elevated pathway that runs along the cliff edge
behind the Parliament Buildings, a location that offers spectacular panoramic views of the
Ottawa River. A circuit is proposed which would unify and link these national interest sites.
Each monument would have its own floral design, which would be incorporated into an
overall landscape design that would make this promenade spectacular and very enriching.
From the War Memorial in Confederation Square to the statues of former sovereigns and
prime ministers within the Parliamentary Precinct to the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton
Flats, visitors could discover the history of events and learn more about the people who are
part of Canadian history.
38
Additional monuments could be added to the circuit to enhance the existing collection, thus
increasing the number of points of interest. Some open areas – such as those in front of the
War Museum, around the approach to the Portage Bridge, and behind the Supreme Court of
Canada building – lend themselves to story-telling opportunities which would reach out to
visitors.
Create a link (blue) between the various monuments ( y e l l o w stars) along the cliff top in
order to enhance viewpoints of the Ottawa River, flower beds of the Parliamentary Precinct
and Confederation Boulevard, and the great Canadian floral carpet (red).
12.2.4. Front lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada
The expansive front lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada should be the site of a major
annual or biennial floral event.
Inspired by the floral carpet unveiled in Brussels every two years, a massive floral display
could be presented here. A large floral carpet would be used to illustrate Canadian legends
and symbols through the use of potted flowers to create a spectacular effect.
39
Floral carpet at La Grand-Place in Brussels Overview and close-up shot
12.2.5. Other sites within the Parliamentary Precinct Area
Other areas with beautification potential can be found in the Parliamentary Precinct and its
immediate surroundings. Open spaces at LeBreton Flats and around other buildings in the
Parliamentary Precinct, such as the Library and Archives of Canada and Supreme Court of
Canada buildings, could be landscaped with mixed plantings to enhance the functional
dimensions and uses of these areas.
Another pathway can be found at the bottom of the cliff along the Ottawa River. This river
edge pathway loops around both shores of the Ottawa River by crossing the Portage and
Alexandra bridges. It also links to the Ottawa Locks and the rest of the Rideau Canal
corridor and is well used by pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the mid-afternoon hours.
The pathway is surrounded by manicured strips of lawn and some naturalized vegetation.
This area would lend itself to greater naturalization to enhance its natural features and the
untamed character of the river. Additional rest areas could be added with benches and
concentrations of wild flowers or naturalized bulbs at key focal points. This would further
enhance a scenic pedestrian link between the two shores of the Ottawa River.
12.2.6. Major’s Hill Park, Nepean Point, and the National Gallery of Canada
The areas surrounding the National Gallery of Canada, including Major’s Hill Park, Nepean
Point, and the Byward Market courtyards offers great potential for presenting programmed
activities and artistic floral designs. These areas would provide ideal opportunities for
ephemeral floral displays in the form of, or in concert with, works of art and sculptural
elements created by Canadian and international artists.
Just as the town of Cahors in France has created a garden circuit (see Appendix VII) to
guide visitors in their discovery of the town, its history, and its architectural qualities, small
artist’s gardens could be created to encourage visitors to dream, satiate their curiosity,
discover new places, and enjoy the surprise of their discoveries. The following inspirational
photos depict the imagination shown by the creators of the gardens in Cahors, Chaumont,
and Paris in France, and in Quebec City during its 400 th anniversary celebrations.
40
Garden
Cahors
of
the
sorceress
and
dragon,
“Sustainable” ephemeral garden, Paris
Small Moorish garden, Cahors
“Garden fragments”
Chaumont-sur-Loire
ephemeral
garden,
41
Visionary vegetable garden, Quebec City
12.3. Zone III: North shore of the Ottawa River
12.3.1. Jacques Cartier Park
The size of Jacques Cartier Park offers an opportunity to present Canada’s natural
landscapes. Landscape designs could include permanent gardens that are representative of
the landscapes and cultures of the different provinces and territories. These plantings would
showcase various groupings of native plants, not just individual species, as well as various
features of Canadian landscapes.
In addition to these provincial gardens, a space reserved for an ephemeral theme-based
garden could be made available each year to a province or territory, whereby each would be
invited to present a legend or story that reflects its cultural uniqueness. Canadian artists
could also be invited to take part in these garden designs. Among these landscape designs,
an outdoor amphitheatre could host small performances to enliven the garden experience.
42
Jacques Cartier Park
12.3.2. Gardens of the Museum of Civilization
The Museum of Civilization has already started developing gardens that represent Canadian
cultural groups. Native plants are used in the gardens in front of the museum, called the
Canada Garden. A series of interpretive panels and guided tours are used to explain the
characteristics and uses of the native plants by Aboriginal cultures and by Canada’s first
settlers. Additional gardens around the museum should continue in a similar spirit.
Entrance of the Museum of Civilization
Front gardens of the Museum of Civilization
12.3.3. North shoreline of the Ottawa River
The north shoreline of the Ottawa River offers an opportunity for enhancing the existing
pathway experience by adding some scenic lookouts with exceptional views of Parliament
Hill. The entire length of this pathway could be further naturalized. Small, sporadically
placed rest areas could be accented with benches and wild flowers.
43
Outstanding views of Parliament Hill from the north shore of the Ottawa River
12.3.4. Brewery Creek
Further west, Brewery Creek (Ruisseau de la Brasserie) runs through the city of Gatineau
and flows into the Ottawa River. It is surrounded by a unique pastoral landscape within an
urban setting that would be well suited to the use of sustainable floral design principles
which would further enrich the character of the site. Maintaining a natural aesthetic would
be a priority for the horticultural design of Brewery Creek. However, intensive ornamental
floral accents could also be used to emphasize the architecture of the existing heritage
buildings and other elements.
Inspiration for this sector could be drawn from the low-maintenance floral beds created by
landscape designers at Hermannshof Park in Germany and by Piet Oudolf, a leading figure
in the development of a more naturalized approach to gardening with perennials.
Flower beds by C. Schmidt (left) and P. Oudolf (right), Hermannshof Park
44
The landscape of Brewery Creek
Brewery Creek
45
12.4 Zone IV: Other Core Area Sites
12.4.1. Entrances to bridges
The intersections at each end of the interprovincial bridges within the Capital are highly
visible sites that need a greater floral presence, due to their important role as gateways to
and from the Capital. It would be appropriate to highlight these bridge entrances by
planting more naturalized bulbs and other floral displays. They could also offer a preview of
the larger floral displays in the city and could be used as a means to publicize floral
festivals.
Entrance to the Alexandra Bridge on Laurier Street, north shore of the Ottawa River
Entrance to the Alexandra Bridge, south shore of the Ottawa River
46
12.4.2. River Walk and Islands
Pathways along both shores of the Ottawa River provide pedestrians with a river-edge
walking loop, crossing the river via the Alexandra and Portage bridges. It is envisioned that
the entire shoreline, including the many small islands on either side the Portage Bridge,
could become more naturalized, with the addition of more flowering native shrubs and
perennials.
View of the Ottawa River islands
Ottawa River Parkway
12.4.3. Ottawa River Parkway, Rockcliffe Parkway, and Leamy Lake Parkway
The pastoral parks and open spaces of these parkways, which wind along the Ottawa and
Gatineau Rivers, contribute significantly to the image of the Capital. These parkway
corridors offer opportunities for further naturalization, including an increase in the use of
naturalized bulb plantings, as well as more native flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
Views of the shorelines, as seen from a canoe or other watercraft, would be a wonderful
way to discover naturalized floral displays growing along the Capital’s parkway corridors.
View of the Rockcliffe Parkway
12.4.4. Private grounds and public boulevards
Such a grand floral vision for the Capital could not be fully achieved without the
involvement of many private and public partners. The involvement of the many national
museums and federal government office buildings, particularly those along Confederation
Boulevard, is critical to the success of the proposed floral program.
47
Although some hotels and restaurants make a real effort at floral beautification, many more
do not. Several downtown business areas have been identified as key areas requiring
additional support in realizing an enhanced floral program. These areas include:
Visitors area no. 1: The area in the city of Gatineau that is defined by Laurier, St.
Laurent, Montcalm, and Alexandre Taché Streets contains many hotels and
restaurants, as well as the public lands around the two major federal government
employment complexes of Place du Portage and Terrasses de la Chaudière.
Visitors area no. 2: The area in the city of Ottawa that is defined by Bronson,
Laurier, Elgin, and Wellington Streets, in which a number of open spaces, hotels,
restaurants, and office buildings have architectural features and urban components
that offer potential for enhancement through floral displays.
Visitors area no. 3: The Byward Market tourist area in Ottawa, with its streets
lined by outdoor restaurant patios.
The major convergence site centred on Confederation Square includes the National Arts
Centre, the Conference Centre, the historic Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, the municipal
Sparks Street Mall, the Westin Hotel, as well as the future convention centre. All contain
spaces that could be beautified with floral displays.
Finally, a number of key intersections of municipal roadways and provincial highways act as
major approaches to the Capital, and as such are highly visible and offer unique
opportunities to showcase the city’s beauty; they are often the first impression forms by
visitors upon arrival. Collaborative efforts with the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as
the Ontario and Quebec provincial ministries of transportation, will be required to foster an
improvement in the transitions and links at these key intersections.
48
Intersection of Saint-Laurent and Laurier
Streets
Maisonneuve Boulevard
Entrance to Gatineau City Hall
Place du Portage (Phase III)Potential P r
a
49
13. Potential Partners
A great opportunity exists for cooperation with various organizations, such as Parks Canada,
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Ottawa
Botanical Garden Society, given the physical location of their interests within the
horticultural and arboricultural node. Meaningful partnerships could be fostered, generating
a beneficial synergy for the floral vision.
The successful development of the new vision for the floral program relies in large part on
the mobilization and involvement of a broad range of partners within the National Capital
Region to give the program the critical mass it needs to be truly successful. Consequently,
the National Capital Commission needs to begin identifying the various local, regional, and
national stakeholders (organizations, associations, etc.) who are prepared to invest time
and/or funds in implementing and promoting the Canada Gardens. A preliminary list of
potential partners of interest in the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau has already been put
together.
50
Potential partners by sector: public, private, and non-governmental and volunteer
organizations
Public sector
•
Central Experimental Farm / Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
•
Parks Canada – Rideau Canal
•
Public Works and Government Services Canada
•
Department of National Defence
•
City of Ottawa
•
City of Gatineau
•
Museums and galleries
•
Federal government offices
•
Provincial government offices
Examples of floral designs around public buildings
51
Private sector
•
Hotels
•
Restaurants
•
Casino du Lac-Leamy
•
Corporations
•
Chambers of commerce
Examples of floral design around commercial sites (private sector)
52
Non-governmental and volunteer Organizations
•
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm
•
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
•
Ottawa Botanical Garden Society
•
Tourism promotion groups
•
Horticultural groups and societies
•
Arts groups
•
Schools, colleges, educational groups
•
Church groups
•
Residential property owners
Examples of floral design by different non-governmental organizations
53
Appendices
I
Appendix I: Substantial increase in nature watchers 3
Over the last two years, 30.7% (7,605,527) of adult Canadians took part in nature-watching activities
while on out-of-town, overnight trips of one or more nights. Nature watching was the second most
common outdoor activity undertaken by Canadian pleasure travelers. Visiting a nature park (22.8%)
was the most popular activity, followed by viewing land-based animals (10.4%), whales and other
marine life (8.4%), and wildflowers and flora (7.7%).
Relative to the average Canadian pleasure traveler, nature watchers are slightly more likely to be
female (52.9%), 25 to 54 years old, and married with dependent children living at home. They are
more likely to have a university education and their household income is close to that of the average
Canadian pleasure traveler ($74,554). Nature watchers frequently travel within Canada (97.9%) and
were more likely than the average Canadian pleasure traveler to have taken trips to other provinces or
regions in the past two years.
Nature watchers were more likely to have taken part in outdoor activities when on trips than the
typical Canadian pleasure traveler, and especially in nature-oriented activities (e.g., hiking, climbing,
paddling, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wilderness activities). Nature watchers were
also very active in cultural and entertainment activities when traveling, and were particularly likely to
have patronized educational attractions (e.g., historical sites, museums and galleries, science and
technology exhibits, Aboriginal cultural experiences). Relative to other Canadian pleasure travelers,
nature watchers seek vacations that are intellectually stimulating, novel, and memorable.
Nature watchers were more likely than average to use the Internet to plan (69.2%) and book travel
(44.9%). They were particularly likely to use official tourism information sources (e.g., brochures and
guidebooks, visitor information centres, websites) to plan trips. Thus they can be most effectively
targeted through travel, nature, and home-related media.
3
Canadian Tourism Commission, Canadian Activity Profile : Nature Watching While on
Trips , 2006
II
Appendix II: Ottawa, a Capital destination
1. Overall tourist profile 4
In 2007, Ottawa recorded approximately 7,828,000 person-visits (visitors and tourists);
more than half (55%) of these visits involved an overnight stay in the region. Although
tourist numbers have remained relatively stable in recent years, there has been a slight
overall decrease in tourist numbers across the region since 1998. More than 89% of all
visitors are Canadian, with 6% from the United States and 5% from other countries.
For all trips that included an overnight stay, the main reasons for travelling to Ottawa are
as follows:
•
pleasure travel (35%);
•
visiting friends/family (42%);
•
business (16%).
The most popular activities with overnight visitors are: visiting friends/family (65%),
shopping (48%), visiting tourist destinations (40%), sports and outdoor activities (26%),
nightlife (23%), visiting museums and art galleries (22%), visiting historic sites (21%),
visiting national and provincial nature parks (13%). The most popular annual events are
Canada Day, the Tulip Festival, the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa BluesFest.The Byward
Market is also an major attraction. It is worth noting that the Tulip Festival drew over one
million visitors in 2008.
Approximately 90% of visitors are accompanied exclusively by other adults; very few (10%) travel
with children aged 15 and under. On average, Ottawa tourists travel in groups of two people.
Together, these numbers suggest that Ottawa is not a popular destination for young families. The
average age of visitors is 39, with all age groups distributed as follows:
•
15 and under: 11%;
•
16-24 years: 14%;
•
25-34 years: 16%;
•
35-54 years: 35%;
•
55 and over: 22%.
In 2007, 5 all visitors (all trips included, with or without overnight stay) spent over
$1.33 billion in Ottawa – an average of $170 per person per day. The breakdown of tourist
expenditures by category was as follows:
4
Tourism Ottawa, Tourism Performance , 2007
III
•
restaurants and food: 35%;
•
lodging: 28%;
•
transportation: 16%;
•
shopping: 13%;
•
recreation and entertainment: 8%.
2. International visitors 6
While Ottawa tourist numbers have remained relatively stable, it is important to note that
there has been a considerable decrease in international visitors. Between 2001 and 2006,
the number of tourists from aboard dropped by 21%, from 1,083,540 to 854,467. This
decline is largely accounted for by the significant drop in the number of American tourists,
which fell by 31% during that time. The drop in the number of American tourists was more
significant in Ottawa than in other Canadian cities. For instance, Montréal experienced a
decrease of 20% in the same period. As for the number of tourists from other countries, it
decreased by 8% between 2001 and 2006. A full 70% of international tourists spent at least
one night in Ottawa, a proportion that is significantly higher than for all tourist categories
combined.
The most popular activities among international visitors spending at least one night in
Ottawa were as follows:
5
6
•
shopping (75%),
•
sightseeing (73%),
•
visiting historic sites (56%),
•
visiting friends/family (53%),
•
visiting museums and art galleries (47%),
•
visiting national parks (42%),
•
nightlife (27%),
•
outdoor sports and activities (27%),
•
visiting botanical gardens (23%),
•
attending cultural events (15%).
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Ottawa Tourism Profiles , 2008
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Ottawa Tourism Profiles , 2008
IV
The spending patterns and distribution of international tourists to Ottawa were generally
comparable to the average for all tourists combined.
3. Conclusions
When all the data are considered together, some general conclusions can be drawn about
tourism in Ottawa. First, the vast majority of tourists are Canadian, and most of them come
to Ottawa primarily to visit friends and family or for pleasure travel. Most Ottawa tourists
are couples in the 35-to-60 age group. For the most part, they visit the city’s main tourist
destinations and spend some time shopping.
According to the RÉMI (Regroupement des Événements Majeurs Internationaux, the
association of major Quebec-based festivals), the majority of tourists who visit Ottawa seek
tourist destinations and attractions that are highlighted by the major tourist information
providers (Tourism Canada, tourist information centres, etc.). Clearly, tourist venues must
be included in the City of Ottawa’s official tourism promotion in order to attract visitors.
V
4. Tourism performance compared to other Canadian destinations (2002-2004) 7
a) Person-visits; b) Total expenditures; c) Average spending by Canadian tourists compared
to other major Canadian cities (M = millions of dollars)
2002
2003
2004
Quebec
a)
b)
c)
5,496,000
$1,511 M
$273.73
5,076,000
$1,373 M
$269.27
5,250,000
$1,478 M
$279.50
Toronto
a)
b)
c)
9,990,000
$3,622 M
$362.56
8,869,000
$3,141 M
$354.15
9,848,000
$3,541 M
$359.60
Montréal
a)
b)
c)
7,711,000
$2,526 M
$327.58
6,900,000
$2,133 M
$309.13
7,339,000
$2,426 M
$330.56
Vancouver
a)
b)
c)
5,672,000
$2,400 M
$423.13
5,031,000
$2,251 M
$447.43
5,248,000
$2,538 M
$483.61
4,243,000
$1,128 M
$265.85
4,014,000
$1,016 M
$253.11
984,000
$989 M
$248.24
2,001,000
$589 M
$294.35
1,810,000
$583 M
$322.10
1,783,000
$580 M
$325.29
115,553,000
$33,303 M
$288.21
104,219,000
$29,727 M
$285.24
108,050,000
$32,413 M
$299.98
Ottawa
a)
b)
c)
Halifax
a)
b)
c)
Canada
a)
b)
c)
7
Observations
Similar to most other cities, record year in
2002 followed by a difficult 2003.
Improvement since 2004. Lower tourist
expenditures than the Canadian average
attributed to shorter average length of
stay.
Just under 10 million visitors per year.
Average expenditures higher than Quebec
City, but trending lower from 2002 to
2004.
In 2004, 39% more visitors than Quebec
City, with total tourist expenditures 64%
higher, thanks to much higher average
daily expenditures. However, this gap
shrank from 2002 to 2004.
Significant increase in average
expenditures offsetting a sharp decrease in
person-visits. Similar to Quebec City in
number of person-visits, but much higher
average expenditures, given the highest
average length of stay in Canada.
Loss of momentum in 2002-2004 with a
steady decrease in visitation and average
expenditures.
Steady decrease in visitation in 2002-2004
but increase in average expenditures. As a
result, total yearly expenditures remained
constant in the $580 million range.
Overall tourist visitation kept above
100 million per year, average daily
expenditures in the $300 per day range.
Canadian Tourism Commission, Tourism Performance , 2005
VI
Appendix III: The Outaouais, a region of repeat visitors 8
In 2006, the Outaouais region recorded over 2.08 million person-visits: 72% of visitors were
from the region, 24% from the rest of Canada, and 4% from the United States and other
countries.
Half (50%) of these visitors come to the Outaouais for rest and relaxation, 15% to discover
the region (landscapes, flora, fauna), and 10% because of its proximity to Ottawa.
From a demographic standpoint, the average age of tourists to the Outaouais (48) is higher
than that of the typical Ottawa tourist. The breakdown by age group is as follows:
•
18-24 years: 5.9%;
•
25-34 years: 13%;
•
35-44 years: 21.2%;
•
45-54 years: 27.8%;
•
55-64 years: 19.9%;
•
65 and over: 10.7%.
The 35-64 age bracket includes almost 70% of the region’s tourist clientele. It is worth
noting that Canadian tourists, excluding those from Quebec, are younger than the average,
while Americans visiting the region are older than the average.
On average, visitors to the region are highly educated: indeed, more than 40% have a
university degree. However, visitors whose activities include camping have, on average, a
lower level of education. In terms of occupational status, the mostly highly represented
employment categories are, in order of importance, professionals, retirees, self-employed
workers, and white-collar workers.
Over 62% of stays are shorter (1-2 nights), while 11% of visitors stay one week or longer.
The length of stay tends to increase with the age of the visitors. It is also worth noting that
during their stay, more than 50% of visitors to the Outaouais visit Ottawa for at least half a
day . This provides very clear evidence of Ottawa’s strong drawing power across the region.
As to travel types, the vast majority of Outaouais tourists (90%) prefer self-directed travel,
while 10% use organized tours. Most organized tour users are from outside the region (rest
of Canada or United States). In terms of group size, 44% of tourists travel in pairs, while
37% are in groups of two or three. One-quarter of all groups included one or more young
persons (18 and under).
8
Tourisme Outaouais, Étude clientèles touristiques , 2004
VII
Over 60% of visitors had previously visited the Outaouais region; moreover, 11% of all
tourists had visited the region 10 times or more in the previous five years. These visitors
are obviously well acquainted with the Outaouais.
According to Tourisme Outaouais, the most popular tourist destinations, activities, and
events in the region are as follows:
•
Casino du Lac-Leamy;
•
Canadian Museum of Civilization;
•
Parliament Hill;
•
Château Montebello;
•
Gatineau Park and Park Omega;
•
Gatineau Hot-Air Balloon Festival;
•
Casino du Lac-Leamy Fireworks Competition.
This list confirms that visitors to the Outaouais region also visit attractions in Ottawa,
taking advantage of the proximity of Canada’s Capital.
On average, visitors spend $916 on a three-night stay in the region. However, tourists from
the rest of Canada and overseas usually spend more for a comparable length of stay.
VIII
Appendix IV: Two tourist experience scenarios
Every person visiting the Canada Gardens will experience its different offerings in their own
way. The following pages provide a brief description of typical visits by tourists representing
two key market segments:
•
a family from St-Jérôme visiting grandparents in Ottawa;
•
two women from Calgary touring through Eastern Canada.
1. A family from St-Jérôme: an intergenerational gathering in Ottawa
The summer holidays are just under way, and the Beaulieu family from St-Jérôme intend to
make the most of their time together. Pierre, Hélène, and their son Sébastien decide to
start with a two-day road trip to visit Pierre’s parents, who moved to Ottawa five years ago.
They arrive in the nation’s capital in late morning; as always, the family reunion is filled
with warmth and emotion. It is a perfect sunny day, and they plan to enjoy it to the utmost.
The grandparents suggest a picnic and an afternoon at the Canada Gardens, Ottawa’s
spectacular new floral attraction. Like any other eight year-old, little Sébastien is not too
excited about spending half a day looking at flowers, but his grandfather, with a wink,
whispers in his ear: “You won’t regret it, I promise!”
Upon arriving at a large garden with breathtaking arrays of flower beds in every direction,
the family chooses a quiet picnic spot in the shade. Hélène is immediately enthralled by the
site’s charming and peaceful atmosphere; despite the large number of visitors around them,
it was quite easy to find a quiet, secluded area. Wolfing down his meal, little Sébastien is
ready for action. Knowing this would happen, Pierre brought a ball and two baseball gloves.
They find a nice out-of-the way spot on the expansive lawns nearby, and casually toss the
ball back and forth for a few minutes. Once everyone has finished eating, the grandparents
go through the Canada Gardens’ list of attractions, and the choices are quickly made. The
ladies will look at the flower beds and then attend a short horticulture workshop given by a
well-known Canadian gardening expert (the grandmother reserved two places the night
before, just in case), while the men will go over to Parliament Hill to see the theme
gardens.
Hélène and her mother-in-law casually walk along the pathways lined with so many annual
plantings and floral sculptures; they are spellbound by the sight of this Garden of Eden in
the heart of Ottawa. As if by magic, soft ambient music seems to emanate from the
surrounding trees and flower beds; Hélène thinks to herself, “These Canada Gardens are a
feast for the eyes and for the ears as well.” Arm in arm, mother and daughter-in-law spend
precious moments contemplating the wide variety of flowers and learning about their origin
and key characteristics. If at all possible, their experience on this warm, late-June
afternoon has brought them closer together than ever before. Slowly they amble toward the
main tent, just in time for the start of the horticulture workshop. A dozen or so gardening
enthusiasts gather around. Our two visitors instantly connect with Nancy, the workshop
facilitator: her enthusiasm and love for all things floral are contagious. She talks about the
latest trends in floral displays and sustainable gardening. Nancy gives them excellent tips
IX
and advice on water conservation and alternatives to herbicides, in keeping with the Canada
Gardens’ sustainability mandate. Hélène realizes that her current gardening practices are
not quite eco-friendly. A valuable learning experience…
During that time, the men have joined the quiet flow of tourists walking along the Rideau Canal
towards Parliament Hill. The canal is lined with hundreds of floral plantings and a gentle mix of
fragrances fills the air. Suddenly, running to the edge of the canal, Sébastien exclaims: “Dad,
Granddad, look! There are even flowers on the water!” Indeed, a flotilla of rowboats laden with
colourful displays of flowers is winding its way down the canal. A fantastic aquatic parade
unfolds before their eyes, lasting over 15 minutes.
Upon arriving at Parliament Hill, the Beaulieu men are stopped in their tracks by the immense
floral carpet representing Canada in its entirety, framed by the two oceans. It is a sight to
behold! All three wonder how long it must have taken to create this floral masterpiece. They
then walk to the Garden of Remembrance, which provides a window onto Canada’s rich history.
At the entrance to the Garden of Remembrance, Pierre and Sébastien are handed a Canada
Gardens iPod with an audio guide to the theme gardens. Father and son are deeply moved by
the monuments depicting key events in Canadian history. Pierre is particularly impressed by the
sailing vessel used by Jacques Cartier as he explored Canada’s uncharted shores in 1534, while
his father stands in silent emotion before the monument to the soldiers who fought for Canada
in the Second World War. Later, grandfather, father, and son walk to Jacques Cartier Park,
where they study the details of each province’s floral emblem. Sébastien runs to the theme
area, where each year a different province is featured. This year, the featured province is
British Columbia. Sébastien admires the floral sculptures in the shape of legendary characters
from the folklore of Western Canada. Reading an information panel, he learns that the tallest
trees in British Columbia, the sequoia, can grow to a height of 85 meters.
Later in the afternoon, the entire family meets up on Parliament Hill and heads off for icecream and their final destination of the day: the Secret Gardens, close to the By Ward
Market. As they walk through these magical gardens where dreams and fantasy coexist, the
Beaulieu family is surrounded by startling sound effects, floral sculptures in the shape of
animals and fictional creatures, surprising water jets, which together create an atmosphere
of mystery and wonder. Sébastien finds the entrance to the hedge-lined labyrinth and can
barely wait for his father to catch up so they can go through it together.
After leaving the Secret Gardens, the entire family agrees that this has been a wonderful
day. As they head home for supper, Sébastien asks his parents: “When are we going back
to the Secret Gardens, I love it there!” Not bad for a boy who didn’t want to spend the day
looking at flowers!
X
2. Calgarians arrive in Ottawa!
Britney and Judy have been friends since their university days. The years have passed, and
the two women have taken different paths: Britney still teaches natural sciences at the
University of Calgary, while Judy has just retired after a career as a municipal councillor.
Despite their different lives and careers, the two friends make a point of spending time
together twice a year. This year, Britney came up with a different idea for their August
vacation — a two-week trip to Eastern Canada. The timing is perfect for Judy and a few
days later, the two women fly to Halifax.
After visiting Halifax and Montréal, Britney wants to stop in Ottawa before returning home,
because she has heard about the city’s new floral attraction — the Canada Gardens. It’s an
innovative floral concept focusing on sustainable practices, a subject near and dear to
Britney as a long-time environmentalist. Judy, who likes to go-with-the-flow, is easily
persuaded by her friend.
After the bus trip to Ottawa, the two friends dine in a small restaurant near Parliament Hill.
At the entrance of the restaurant are two beautiful floral arrangements advertising the
Canada Gardens. Judy realizes that the Gardens are a major attraction. After lunch, the two
friends to go to Commissioner’s Park, where there is an impressive sustainable garden — a
garden designed entirely with the environment in mind. Once inside the garden, Britney is
struck by how simple it would be to transform any garden so that it is both environmentally
sound and aesthetically pleasing. While Britney asks an onsite expert a few questions on
the process for rain water recovery, Judy wanders through the many charming flower beds
near Dow's Lake before sitting on a bench to read her book. She reflects on how relaxing
reading is in the midst of nature. For a few minutes, Judy closes his eyes and enjoys the
peaceful atmosphere.
The two friends meet later at the entrance of Commissioners Park and notice a tent where
about 20 people have gathered. Intrigued, Britney and Judy approach the tent and read the
inscription: “Discover Floral Aromas.” After chatting with a woman at the entrance, they
learn that this is a special weekly program which, like wine tastings, invites people to
discover new native and exotic floral scents. They are in luck as there is room for them in
the program today! The two friends buy their tickets and take a spot in the tent. What a
splendid workshop! The facilitators explain in detail the peculiarities and intricacies of each
fragrance and olfactory tasting via smell. Judy and Britney are thrilled with this educational
and entertaining activity.
At the end of the program, Britney asks the ticket lady if there are other special programs
in the Canada Gardens, and she replies that tonight there is an outdoor classical dance
performance. As a fan of the performing arts, Judy is delighted! In the evening, the two
friends walk to the dance area which is a large open stage decorated with many flowers.
Dancing among beautiful flowers! Throughout the show, the two women are taken by the
beautiful choreography, music which seems to come from everywhere, and lighting that
gives the evening a magical ambience.
XI
At the end of the evening, on the way back to their hotel, Britney and Judy, still inspired by
the dance performance, notice that many shops and hotels in the city are decorated with
beautiful floral arrangements. A capital in bloom, they exclaim with a laugh! Once back in
Calgary the two friends have fond memories of their trip and continue to share their
wonderful experience in the Gardens of Canada with many friends and relatives.
XII
Appendix V: Summary description of floral opportunities in
Commissioner’s Park
1. Entrance Sector
Park Entrance The main entrance to Commissioner’s Park is at the intersection of Queen Elizabeth Drive,
Prince of Wales Drive, and Preston Street. It is just across from the Dow’s Lake Pavilion and
marina and at an angle with a property owned by the Department of National Defence.
The existing entrance feature is a small, flagpole-defined plaza which serves as the starting
point for the main walking path which that through the park’s extensive flower beds. In
springtime, visitors walk along this pathway to enjoy the spectacular tulip displays which
peak during the Ottawa Tulip Festival, while in the summer visitors are treated to a wide
and colourful array of annuals.
MAIN ENTRANCE
DOW’S LAKE
Potential location of the main entrance to Commissioner’s Park
XIII
Existing Commissioner’s Park entrance plaza
Given its location at the intersection of several important roadways and the paved plaza,
the existing entrance is well suited as a meeting and gathering place. Possible site
enhancements could include a large fountain, a major work of landscape art with water and
light features to further draw the attention of visitors. This meeting place could also include
more benches to allow people to relax and enjoy the fountain.
The drawing power of a fountain: Fontaine de Tourny, Québec City
Contemporary illuminated fountain created by Charles Daudelin, Québec
Annual Thematic Floral Area A large lawn area would be the first major feature encountered upon commencing the
journey through Commissioner’s Park. This area could include a major floral attraction to
surprise and impress visitors, and encourage them to further enter the park and discover its
spectacular floral displays.
XIV
Existing lawn area near the entrance to Commissioner’s Park
Each year, this lawn area could feature a new floral display based on historical events or
themes of universal interest. Given its large size, original themes, and constant renewal, the
thematic floral area would likely become one of the park’s main attractions. The photos
which follow provide examples of some themes explored in recent floral events in Europe,
Asia, and North America.
Floral display illustrating the universally recognized Olympic Rings, in celebration of the
2008 Olympic Games, Keukenhof (2008)
XV
Partial view of a floral mosaic depicting a Chinese dragon, Keukenhof (2008)
Floral display with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Shanghai (2007)
XVI
Earth Mother, an Aboriginal legend, Montréal Mosaïcultures (2003)
XVII
The Main Path The main pathway through the Entrance Sector winds its way along the park’s northern
edge. The existing tulip and annual beds, as well as the tree and shrub buffer between the
pathway and Carling Avenue, could be better defined and strengthened with additional
flowering shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Photos of displays from Wisley
Garden in England and the Plains of Abraham in Québec provide fine examples of the
successful use of such mixed planting beds.
Existing long, sweeping floral beds along the main path, Commissioner’s Park
Large mixed flower and shrub bed, Plains of Abraham, Québec
XVIII
Perennial bed in Jeanne d’Arc Garden, Plains of Abraham, Québec
Le jardin de Wisley
Aout 2008
Mixed bed of perennials and grasses, Wisley Park, England
XIX
To make a walk through Commissioner’s Park even more appealing and add a new
dimension to the experience, it is recommend that some smaller, ribbon-shaped flower beds
be planted, crisscrossing the main path at key locations. This would strengthen the linkages
between the two sides of the path and give visitors the impression of walking through a
ribbon of flowers, as if the flowers were trying to get closer, to be seen and observed in
their every detail.
Multi-coloured plant bed with a mix of a wide variety of flowers, Paris Floral Park
Example (from Keukenhof) of a dynamic ribbon of flowers which could be made to
crisscross the main path for the enjoyment of pedestrians
XX
The Man With Two Hats The main pathway in the Entrance Sector opens onto the location of a sculpture called The
Man with Two Hats , a monument donated to Canada by the people of the Netherlands in
2002 to mark the liberation of their country by Canadian troops during the Second World
War.
Setting of The Man With Two Hats, which can be seen from Queen Elizabeth Drive
The immediate surroundings of the sculpture are quite bare. The site, which is clearly
visible to drivers traveling along Queen Elizabeth Drive, lends itself well to a horticultural
treatment that would contribute to
XXI
A small garden feature could assist in better integrating this work of art into the floral park.
The following images provide examples of plantings designed to complement monuments
and works of art commemorating historical figures.
Customized garden designs surrounding monuments to historical figures: top, left and right,
Québec; bottom, Saint-Omer, France
XXII
2. Central Sector
The Central Sector landscape design concept could include three distinct spaces, each with
a specific function: a children’s garden, floral meeting places, and demonstration gardens
(see plan below).
CENTRAL SECTOR
DOW’S LAKE
Commissioner’s Park Central Sector floral development potential
XXIII
Grassy glades among mature trees The central portion of the park is an area of remarkable beauty with many large majestic
trees. Areas of variable shade offer an interesting opportunity for the massing of
understorey plants, perhaps featuring native forest wildflowers. During the Tulip Festival,
this area would be an excellent location for large tents with food services and artisans, as
well as animation displays. New perennial beds with interplanted flowers and bulbs could
also be added.
Pathway winding through a glade of magnificent mature trees, Commissioner’s Park
Mature trees offer interesting floral design opportunities, Commissioner’s Park
XXIV
Children’s Garden A children’s garden could be aimed at families and school children in the 3-to-12 age group.
It could consist of a series of small spaces, each telling its own story while providing
opportunities for learning and play. For example, an area could include a maze of tall plants
containing hanging, double-sided interpretation panels with questions related to the natural
sciences and vegetation on one side, and the answers on the other. Another area could
include innovative, unusual-shaped climbing structures. A great deal of attention should be
paid to the overall aesthetic of the children’s garden in order to appeal to children’s sense
of magic and wonder. The judicious use of vegetation would ensure seamless integration
with the surrounding areas of the park. The following images show different ways to
enhance the educational and play value of floral parks.
Children’s play area with whirligigs and plant features; created by Anne-Marie Arbefeuille,
Parc de Chaumont, France
Le labyrinthe des graminées
Yves Gosse de Gorre
Maze of tall grasses, a perfect place to play hide-and-seek; created by Yves Gosse de Gorre,
France
XXV
Works of art for children: Forest on the Run; Puss’n Boots’ Boots; Chicken Little’s Trail
XXVI
A place where dreams come true: The Fairy Tale Garden, Château de Rivau, France
Outdoor mechanized educational games
A children’s garden, Hamilton, Ontario
XXVII
Floral Meeting Places: areas of interpretation and relaxation Located in the centre of the park, this area could be dedicated to the interpretation of floral
history, botany, plant genetics, etc. Designed as a circular space, it would feature floral
exhibits with interpretation panels. It could become a gathering and meeting place for quiet
reflection and conversation. Rows of park benches facing the flower beds would encourage
observation, meditation, day-dreaming, and conversation.
Rest area in a public garden, Istanbul, Turkey
XXVIII
Demonstration Gardens Between three and five multi-purpose areas could be developed to demonstrate innovative
beautification methods. This could include new flower bed designs for home gardens, new
species and varieties of flowers, sustainable gardening techniques, low water gardens, rain
gardens, gardens with only perennials and grasses, flower carpets, flower boxes, etc. The
following images provide some examples of demonstration gardens.
Rectangular garden creating an intimate
picnic area
Use of flower pots as borders
Resting spot surrounded by tulips
Whimsical floral ottomans
Paths and lawns The existing pathways winding through this area of the park should be kept in their present
location, as much as possible. The children’s garden could use the existing lawn areas
shaded by mature trees. The base of the tree trunks could be protected by lowmaintenance, trample-resistant ground covers, shrubs, and grasses. In springtime, the low
traffic areas around the trees could be planted with naturalized bulbs. The following images
provide examples of existing designs reflecting these ideas.
XXIX
Wooded area naturalized with daffodils,
Rockcliffe Rockeries, Ottawa
Lawn area naturalized with bulbs and
grasses, Hermannshof, Germany
Carpets of mixed grasses replacing manicured lawns at the base of trees, Hermannshof,
Germany
XXX
3. Southern Sector
SOUTH SECTOR
DOW’S LAKE
Potential improvements to the Southern Sector of Commissioner’s Park
Flower beds in the Southern Sector of Commissioner’s Park
In the Southern Sector of Commissioner’s Park, the majority of plant beds are concentrated
along the eastern edge of the park. They include large masses of tulips in the spring,
XXXI
followed by beds of annuals during the summer months. The Southern Sector is long and
narrow in shape. A major pathway follows the eastern edge of the sector, winding past beds
of tulips and annuals set back from the pathway. Many of these flower beds have been in
existence since the 1940s, when they were used to display the original gift of tulips from
the people of the Netherlands, and therefore would be a priority for preservation given their
historic significance. In addition, a few more recent flower beds located on the western
edge of the sector add a sense of balance to the composition.
The existing southern entrance to Commissioner’s Park is located near a residential area
Valley of the Flowers In the southernmost area of the park, the development of a veritable valley of flowers is
proposed to offer visitors a unique, intimate floral experience.
The proposed design recommends developing a tight and extensive network of narrow paths
which would enable visitors to walk right up against the flower beds. This experience could
be further enhanced by interpretation panels and works of art within the plant beds.
XXXII
Beds of annuals, Québec Zoological Garden
Pathway immersed in flowers, Paris Floral Park
Queen Elizabeth Drive and Rideau Canal Queen Elizabeth Drive runs parallel to the western edge of the Rideau Canal. It is a lowspeed roadway that winds through a scenic pastoral landscape with extensive manicured
lawns, mature trees, and numerous flower beds along its length. It is the official
sightseeing route used by guided tours during the Tulip Festival. In addition, a multi-use
recreational pathway runs between the parkway and the canal. It is used extensively for
walking, cycling, and jogging.
XXXIII
The revised landscape design along the edge of Commissioner’s Park could place an
increased focus on vehicular and tour-guided viewing experiences, notably by developing
new points of interest aimed at parkway users. A total of five such points of interest could
be located on an axis with major cross streets, as well as in other focal points,
accommodating major sculptures, fountains, or large floral mosaics.
Potential location of points of interest along Queen Elizabeth Drive
The proposed landscape design aims to reduce the amount of manicured lawn areas within
the parkway corridor. The majority of these lawn areas could be replaced by masses of
shrubs and ground covers. In the area between the parkway and Commissioner’s Park, a
soft, natural hedgerow would create a greater sense of intimacy within the Valley of the
Flowers and also assist in delineating and emphasizing the points of interest at key
intersections, the idea being that multicolour floral displays would contrast beautifully
against the backdrop created by a soft hedge of shrubs and perennials.
On the canal side of the parkway, the design could have more of a pastoral feel, with a mix
of shrubs, perennials, and grasses, with an emphasis on a high proportion of native species.
Rest areas with benches framed by pockets of flowers could be developed at selected
locations along the multi-purpose pathway, right up to Laurier Avenue.
XXXIV
Proposed landscape design along the Seine, in Paris
Two examples of natural, low-maintenance wildflower planting beds, Hermannshof,
Germany
Rideau Canal Locks The Rideau Canal and its locks have been designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The
canal system is rich in heritage value and historical significance. This special status requires
that the NCC work in close cooperation with Parks Canada on any proposed modifications to
the corridor landscape. Parks Canada has already provided some good guidance through its
2005 Master Plan for the Rideau Canal.
Landscape designs with a natural focus would resonate well with the Parks Canada vision
for the area. Other potential enhancements could include nighttime illumination of the
locks, especially the Ottawa Lock, located next to Parliament Hill.
XXXV
Illumination of a lock structure, Canal Saint-Martin, Paris
XXXVI
Appendix VI: Variable Management
Variable management is a key component of sustainable development. Floral maintenance
practices would be primarily based on the intended function of a particular landscape design
or installation.
Variable management marks an important step in the evolution of horticultural practices as
it incorporates environmental considerations in every aspect of greenspace management. It
promotes the sound management of a city’s environmental resources by establishing clear
and specific objectives and by taking human resources into account. It results in the
creation of new types of greenspaces, better suited to the many functions they are
9
expected to fulfill in today’s world.
According to the principles of variable management, not all greenspaces are to be subjected
to the same intensity of use, nor do they receive the same level of care and maintenance.
For example, all lawn areas need not be subjected to the same mowing schedule.
Specific aspects of variable management consist of:
•
Establishing a balance between horticulture and nature, between cultivated and
native:
o
•
Implementing less-intensive approaches and techniques:
o
o
o
o
•
o
Overseeding
Flame weed control
Planting shade and drought resistant grasses under trees
Innovative shoreline protection
o
9
By adding flowers, lawn areas become less uniform, creating a more varied
landscape
In some areas, replace lawns with wildflower meadows
Limit the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, through:
o
o
o
•
Reduce the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides
Re-use of pruning and clearing debris and grass cuttings
Use less-intensive tree-pruning practices
Protect tree root systems
Achieving better results from an aesthetic perspective
o
•
Fewer classic lawn areas, less mowing, more growth = floral meadows
Use of natural stone treatments
Mission gestion différenciée Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Gestion differenciee.org.
XXXVII
o
•
Shoreline retention with biodegrable geotextiles facilitating re-establishment
of native vegetation
Choosing different plant materials
o
o
o
o
o
Use masses of perennials: this reduces the need for yearly replanting,
lowering manpower requirements
Preserve and reinforce the use of local flora: cultivation, collection, use and
dissemination of local wildflowers (as an alternative to commercial
“wildflower prairie mixes”, which include exotics and cultivars)
Preserve common, hardy and highly tolerant species with high aesthetic
and/or entomological value
Use these species in mixes: for example, with a certain percentage of
annuals for a more immediate effect and heightened colour
Ecological beautification: the use of native plants reinforces local
populations; many of these remain quite common, but are slowly
disappearing from their native environment (for example, plants that
traditionally accompanied farming activities). The use of native plants helps
recreate an entire ecosystem (including the specific foraging insects that
typically associate with certain flowers) in the urban environment, where
biodiversity is under heavy pressure. The use of native plants significantly
reduces watering, fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide requirements.
•
•
•
The concept of “sustainable flowering”
Use perennials or hardy plant material for at least a three-year
period.
Select species and varieties:
-
•
•
•
•
•
known for their long-blossoming characteristics, in year one
easy to grow
low maintenance
Reduce the watering requirements by at least a factor of 2.
Reduce maintenance requirements (time) by at least a factor of 2
Implement an organic fertilization program with the objective of
rejuvenating the soil.
Replace annual beds with perennial beds.
Locate and act upon situations where other types of plantings are
likely to fail: areas that are difficult to water, older shrub beds, areas
where lawns are impossible to grow or maintain, etc.
XXXVIII
Example of variable management Vineuil City Hall, produced by Thierry Simier.
The following increases in efficiency and cost savings have been documented:
In an 86 m² bed which formerly held annuals and biennials, watering (frequency)
requirements were reduced by a factor of 2 in year 1 and by a factor of 3 in year 2.
After three years, savings of 4000 euros were achieved in the plant-purchasing budget, and
maintenance time was reduced by 110 hours – a two thirds reduction overall. 10
10
Thierry Simier, 2008.
XXXIX
Appendix VII: Eleven examples of successful gardens
Jardins de Métis/Reford Gardens Festival, Quebec
In June 2000, Jardins de Métis/Reford Gardens launched
Garden Festival, after several years of careful planning and
the best way to transform an unused section of the garden
and garden designers from Canada and around the world
ephemeral garden installations.
the first annual International
discussions aimed at devising
into a space where landscape
could showcase new ideas in
Built on the former Elsie Reford Estate, Jardins de Métis/Reford Gardens has been open to
the public since 1962. In 1995, the Friends of Jardins de Métis were handed all
development and maintenance responsibilities. The Festival is an expression of the Gardens’
three main objectives – namely, the restoration of historical gardens (tradition); the
creation of ephemeral garden exhibits by the best contemporary designers (innovation); and
the preservation of the St. Lawrence and Métis River shorelines (conservation).
Since 2000, the Festival has featured more than 50 garden installations created by about
100 designers from eight countries. In addition, traveling exhibits from Jardins de
Métis/Reford Gardens have been displayed in public gardens, parks and horticultural events
in several places in Canada, including Montréal, Amqui, New Richmond, and Toronto, as
well as at international events in England, France, and Italy. The Festival images shown
below will provide a small glimpse of the diversity and creativity displayed by contributing
designers, who have helped make the Festival into a showcase for the cutting-edge work of
a new generation of landscape architects, architects, and visual artists.
The International Garden Festival was inspired by the Festival Chaumont-sur-Loire (France),
founded by Jean-Paul Pigeat in 1992. Upon returning from a visit to Chaumont in 1998, a
delegation from Métis immediately set about defining and developing the Festival mission,
which is to stimulate creativity in the gardening arts and to offer, both professionals and
the public, exposure to innovative landscape forms, new materials and a new vision of the
garden.
XL
Reford Residence gardens The Festival’s main objective is to present avant-garde garden concepts that contribute to
innovative thinking in the art of gardening and the renewal of landscape architecture. The
jury-selected designers must work in close cooperation with the Festival’s artistic and
technical directors. Although they enjoy complete creative freedom to give life to the
products of their imagination, they must always take into account the character and context
of the site. Designers are free to dig into the soil or erect structures, but they must respect
the natural setting and surrounding vegetation. 11
Installations at the Jardins de Métis/Reford Gardens Festival
11
Full terms and conditions available at the Festival’s website http://www.jardinsmetis.com/
XLI
Brussels’ floral carpet, Belgium
The Brussels Tapis de Fleurs is a biennial event. Each even-numbered year, a magnificent
1800m 2 floral carpet covers the Grand-Place. For three days and three nights the floral
carpet is a major tourist attraction. As night falls, the carpet magically illuminates. This
ephemeral masterpiece blazes with all its colours. The official unveiling ceremony of each
new floral carpet is always accompanied by awe-inspiring lights shows.
The floral carpet motif is typically drawn from the themes of exhibits featured at Brussels’
City Hall. Some examples of past themes used were the commemoration of important
historical events, coats of arms and ideas proposed by local horticultural associations. The
planning and design of the floral carpet, including detailed design of the patterns and
construction of scale models, takes place over a full year. The actual assembling of the
floral carpet occurs over a 48 hour period and requires over one hundred skilled gardeners
working in unison.
The only flower which makes up the carpet is begonia, which is available in a seemingly
limitless number of varieties and colours. In this way, this work of art is a wonderful
marketing tool for Belgian begonia growers. With an annual yield of over 60 million bulbs,
Belgium is the most important producer of begonias in the world. The production and sale
of ornamental plants has been a major contributor to the municipality of Ghent’s prosperity
since the late 19 th century. It’s azaleas and begonias, in particular, are well recognized the
world over.
Ground level view of floral carpet
Bird’s eye view of the floral carpet
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Eden Project, Cornwall, England
The Eden Project is a large-scale endeavour that has attracted 1.5 million visitors per year
since it opened in 2001. It was designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw based on an
environmental concept developed by Tim Smit in 2000. Exploring the themes of nature and
sustainable development, the sprawling park includes two large conservatories, the first
presenting a rainforest biome, and the second featuring a Mediterranean biome. Outside, a
long pathway winds through a landscape where prairies and many other habitats are
recreated. The gardens are known for their vast collection of native plants, which reflect
the extraordinary diversity of our planet.
This project is supported by a non-profit foundation, with a focus on resource conservation
and the contribution of biological diversity to humankind. The park was initially created to
demonstrate nature’s capacity to regenerate landscapes severely degraded by human
activities. Ten years ago, the site was sterile and empty. Today, its massive Biomes (one of
which is the largest greenhouse in the world) and the millions of plants bear witness to the
ingenuity and tenacity of the human spirit. Eden stands as living proof that it is possible to
transform the most degraded brownfield into a garden of beauty and international renown.
The Project’s educational vocation has enabled the foundation to obtain the GiftAid
designation from the British Government, which provides considerable tax relief amounting
to approximately 30% of its membership fees. The Eden Project has given rise to numerous
innovations in plant cultivation, and these were developed in close cooperation with a broad
range of plant research agencies.
Aerial view of the Eden Project
Geodesic domes sheltering complex biomes
XLIII
Crystal Garden: the intersection of art and nature
In 2004, Jean-Paul Pigeat, director of the Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival stated: “In
Versailles, Louis XIV summoned the best fountain builders. Today, we must do the same
and we must let go of the idea that the landscape is the domain of a restricted number of
artisans who see themselves as the only legitimate creative forces in the garden. In this day
and age, truly exceptional gardens are created when artists, craftsmen of all types and new
materials join forces.” In that spirit, five prestigious glassmakers conceived the Crystal
Gardens, a magical site created under the watchful eye of Vincent Dupont-Rougier.
Four imaginative crystal gardens were created in Parc de Bagatelle, Paris. The backdrop for
each of these installations is a wall of cullet, or crystal in its unrefined state, which is
achieved by bringing a mix of silica, lead and potash to high heat. Using this canvas of
brilliance, colour and transparency, Vincent Dupont-Rougier arranges plants and works of
art to reflect and enhance the interplay of ambient light conditions. In the Lalique Garden,
a small pond feature is framed with large crystal agave plants mixed in with living agaves.
Multi-coloured crystal fish mounted on black stems are reflected in the water and appear to
dart through the luminous shards reflected by the crystal.
In the Daum Garden, unique works of art depicting a serene, smiling Buddha are carefully
positioned among lush vegetation. Graceful blue-hued seem to rise from a carpet of green.
The Daum Garden’s stunning botanical display was created by the Italian floral designer
Émilio Robba. His warm, amber-hued exotic flower sculptures, provide additional points of
interest throughout the garden, appearing to be created by natural forces; they show his
flawless attention to detail and deep fascination with nature.
Crystal works of art are placed throughout the park to create constant surprises. Palm trees
are hung with stunning crystal decorations. A Baccarat crystal bear placed on the edge of a
water feature conjures images of a faraway ice floe. Lalique swans and fish swim across a
natural pond. An island shoreline is dotted with crystal vases from Daum’s Amaryllis
collection. Magic connects the real and the surreal, crystal shines and illuminates in every
direction, and nature stands in all its glory in an astounding display of beauty and
creativity. ( Photos: François Golfier )
Crystal agave plants in the Lalique Garden
(Photos: François Golfier)
Palm tree adorned with crystal
XLIV
Secret Gardens of Cahors
Cahors, a medieval city of 200,000, is known for its famous Valentré Bridge, located just
outside the City. In order to draw more visitors from the bridge to the downtown area, the
City devised a strategy based on floral beautification. In spite of the fact that Cahors has
few public green spaces, they have succeeded in creating a network of small imaginative
gardens which communicate whimsical, entertaining stories much to the delight of visitors.
The secret garden circuit is delineated with markers of polished brass engraved with an
acanthus leaf. Starting at the Valentré Bridge, visitors set out on a path of discovery
through a series of small thematic gardens, including the Inebriation Garden, the Alley of
Sighs, the Celestial Courtyard, the Cloistered Garden, the Fairy Melusine’s Garden, the
Simpletons’ Garden, the Engravers Courtyard, the Moorish Gardens, etc.
These gardens have won numerous awards in Europe: the Heritage Improvement Award,
The Gold Medal of European Floral Displays, the Grand Prize of the National Floral Cities
Competition, etc. The network of gardens is still expanding to include other cities. There is
now a Garden of Cahors in the City of Bitche and a new Garden of Bitche in Cahors. These
joint projects foster the free flow of ideas and have led to joint tourism marketing
campaigns between neighbouring cities and regions across France.
The Cahors Circuit, the Witch’s Garden, the Simpletons’ Garden and the Moorish Garden
XLV
Keukenhof Floral Displays
Keukenhof is one of the world’s most beautiful gardens. During a two-month period each
spring, over 800,000 visitors come to marvel at the amazing floral displays composed with
more than 7 million bulbs planted throughout this 32 hectare park. Each year features a
new theme, which keeps the many visitors coming back year after year, and helps attract
new visitors. For example, the 2008 theme, China and the Beijing Olympic Games, drew
over 20,000 visitors from China.
The design concept is aimed at providing the visitor with a celebratory experience and to
inspire visitors to be more creative in their own gardens. A great deal of focus is placed on
innovation and the quality of the design and maintenance. New sculptures are added yearly
to enhance the garden designs. In addition, there is an extensive program of activities,
including guided tours, children’s tours, crazy hat parades, photography workshops, etc.
Keukenhof Gardens is an amazing showcase for the abilities of the Dutch floral industry.
Seasonally, the garden employs close to 700 staff, as well as 60 year-round staff.
Mosaic Park, Olympic Rings formed in flowers
XLVI
Gardens of Rivau Castle, France
The Gardens of Rivau Castle were originally developed to enhance the castle, but have
slowly evolved into the site’s main attraction. Like a fairy tale, the garden stimulates the
imagination of visitors of all ages.
The Castle’s main park is divided into twelve sectors, each inspired by classical garden
design and referring to a specific medieval legend. The visitor can walk through Gargantua’s
vegetable patch, with its gigantic vegetables, marvel at the Delicious Border, run through
the Enchanted Forest or follow in the footsteps of Tom Thumb. The gardens are at the
height of their beauty in May, when the blooming of masses of irises herald the warm
summer to come, and later in June, when the aroma of lavender fills the air and the senses.
As these gardens offer a lot of opportunities to play and exceptional educational value, they
appeal to children and parents alike. Each year, artists are invited to create works of art
that complement and enhance the gardens.
A fairy tale garden
Lavender Maze
Flowerpot Garden
Enchanted Garden
XLVII
Garden of Wisley, England
Wisley is one of four garden estates belonging to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It
attracts about 800,000 visitors each year. One of its most popular attractions is the central
plant bed which measures 125 m long and 6 m wide. Innovative combinations of colours
and textures never fail to amaze visitors to the garden.
Wisley is intended as a source of inspiration, by showcasing excellence and promoting
gardening. All plant species are labeled. The park includes demonstration gardens and
innovative garden designs from which visitors gather new floral ideas. The test plots in the
southern part of the garden are an invaluable resource displaying the knowledge and
expertise of the RHS.
The first alpine gardens were created at Wisley. Next to the main alpine garden the native
garden can be found, which includes a network of footpaths bordered by a broad collection
of shrubs and trees, as well as large masses of perennials and flowering bulbs. In
commemoration of the 200 th anniversary of the RHS, an immense greenhouse featuring over
60,000 tropical plants was built adjacent to the main planting bed. Wisley’s most recent
acquisition is the stunning, ever changing planting bed designed by the Dutch landscape
artist Piet Outdolf. With its highly organized, abundant and richly textured plantings, this
plant bed manages to convey the natural evolution of the seasons.
The Wisley Tropical Greenhouse
One of Wisley’s numerous gardens
XLVIII
Séricourt Garden, France
Séricourt Park commemorates the painful legacy of wars and conflicts. The message
conveyed by these gardens is so clear and tangible, it leaves no one indifferent and
compels one to be reflective. Yves Gosse de Gorre has brought together a series of images
composed of vegetation that tell stories, elicit strong emotions and succeed in surprising
visitors. A few of these images are shown below.
The Séricourt region and its inhabitants have been indelibly marked by war. This is reflected
in the garden by three large holes which provide a stark reminder of the results of bombs.
Vegetation is also used to represent two armies of soldiers standing face-to-face, ready to
engage. The soldiers formed of arrow-straight and narrow yews are pruned at varying
heights and spaced in irregular patterns. In summertime, a lawn area covered in poppies
and forget-me-nots adds a bloody dimension to the battle scene.
Gardeners have
life and giving
terrifying faces,
Across from the
sculpted war masks from spherical globe cedars, bringing these plants to
them a truly menacing appearance. A group of these figureheads with
placed in a semi-circle, appears to be deeply involved in a council of war.
battlefield, weeping cherry trees seem to mourn the dead.
The topiary garden always succeeds in surprising visitors. This charming and playful area
makes one want to stop and appreciate the diversity of plants on display, as well as the
innate beauty of each individual specimen. Just around the corner from topiary lane, a
living room has been sculpted out of yews and cedars. A sofa and two armchairs seem to
invite the visitor to have a seat, until one is reminded that they are only sculptures.
Council of War
Garden of Warriors, in the background
XLIX
Gardens of the Imagination, France
In order to boost tourism in an area that does not possess any important tourist attractions,
the City of Terrasson-La-Villedieu, located deep in the French Périgord region, retained the
services of Kathryn Gustafson to create a contemporary garden. The park brings the visitor
on a journey filled with a poetic sensibility.
An elevated viewpoint and embankment intersected with cascading waters, a rose covered
pergola, azaleas, ferns and mosses, a greenhouse hidden behind stone walls, a grassy
amphitheatre with metal benches, water gardens, and woods with a wildflower glade make
up a route with interspersed breathtaking views of the City and valley below.
Stone borders delineate the limits of the vegetation, metallic elements are carefully
integrated into their surroundings, and quiet ponds, cascading channels and whimsical
fountains all bring the site together. The park’s dominant colour is the silvery green of the
weeping willows and hedges. The hedges, running parallel or perpendicular to the river,
facilitate the transition between the natural and built environment. The park’s main
entrance features a long cascading brook flowing down a series of steps along the length of
a ramp.
Grass amphitheatre; Cascading Waters; Whimsical Fountain
L
Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg
Assiniboine Park was created in 1904. It covers close to 1,100 ha and includes a
conservatory, gardens and numerous paths, a garden of sculptures by Leo Mol, a miniature
railway, an outdoor theatre and numerous other attractions.
The English Garden, built in 1926-27, is recognized across North America for its luxuriant
displays of annual and perennial beds. Covering three acres, the English Garden displays a
wide array of flowers, shrubs and trees in the traditional English style. A large rose garden
(with over four hundred varieties of floribunda, grandiflora and rugosa species), divided into
four sections, surrounds the central pond teeming with fish. From the start, the purpose of
the English Garden was to serve as a showcase where local residents and visitors could
obtain detailed information on the important floricultural history of Manitoba.
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
Mixed Planting Bed
The conservatory remains one of the park’s main attractions, with over 8,000 species of
exotic flowers, plants and trees. Completed in 1992, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden contains
over one hundred of the artist’s creations.
LI
Pathway through a floral understory
LII
Appendix VIII: Vision for the Capital Floral Program
Stakeholder Workshop, March 12, 2009-NCC Headquarters,40 Elgin Street, Room 702
Purpose of the Stakeholder Workshop
To present the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Vision for the Capital Floral Program and obtain
stakeholder comments, input, and ideas to further build upon this draft vision.
Participants
Representatives from a broad range of organizations with a potential interest or involvement in a floral
visioning initiative where invited to participate in the workshop. Two successive workshop sessions
were held on March 12, 2009. The following organizations attended the workshop:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Algonquin College
Byward Market BIA
Caltrio Landscape Ltd.
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Canadian Museum of Nature
City of Ottawa
Communities in Bloom
DMC Ottawa
Fletcher Wildlife Garden/ Ottawa Field Naturalists Club
Friends of the Farm
Gatineau Chamber of Commerce
Horticultural Services for Management
Lafleur de la Capitale
Maplelawn Gardens
MGB Tourfest Inc.
National Arts Centre
Ontario Horticultural Association – District 2
Ontario Horticultural Association – President
Ottawa Botanical Garden Society
Ottawa Tourism
Parks Canada/ Rideau Canal
Public Works and Government Services Canada
SNC Lavalin ProFac
TerraPro Corp.
University of Ottawa
VIA Rail Garden Tour
War Museum
LIII
Session 1 – 3pm to 5pm
A. Welcome:
Marie Boulet, Director of Urban Lands and Transportation, NCC:
•
This is an important step in revitalizing our Floral Program; the project started a
year ago and was inspired by a visit to the Montréal Botanical Gardens.
•
We want to better promote our floral program, and increase the diversity of the
attractions.
•
The NCC Landscape Architectural group, in collaboration with our consultant, AnneCarole Beauregard, has developed a draft vision for the Capital Floral Program.
•
The visioning phase will be followed by the setting of priorities and then by the
development of a 10-year implementation phase.
•
We are looking for your feedback, contributions, and ideas.
B. Introduction:
Julie Mulligan, Project Manager, NCC:
•
Asks participants to introduce themselves.
•
Please complete and submit the questionnaire before March 19 in order for your
feedback to be integrated into the final visioning document. After that date,
comments will still be welcomed but will not be included in the final report.
•
The goal of the workshop is to introduce the vision, the big dream. We encourage
you to dream with us and to see how far we can take a floral vision for the Capital.
•
The presentation will be in English, but please don’t hesitate to ask questions in
French.
C. Presentation: 40-45 minute PowerPoint presentation
Julie Mulligan, Project Manager, NCC
LIV
D. Comment and Questions:
1. Aviation Parkway, and other parkways, are they being looked at?
We would see all the parkway lands incorporating some naturalized floral plantings.
2. Will festivals be integrated with the floral program?
Please identify on questionnaire things that you believe are compatible. A better
integration of festivals and the floral program is a goal of the revitalized floral
program.
3. I like the idea of the garden tours, we must think outside the box.
Kayaking tours would be a fantastic way to experience the floral displays
and the naturalized areas from the shoreline and from the perspective of
the water.
4. Will floral displays in various areas be integrated with tours, maps, or
stands similar to the Tulip Festival?
This is part of the educational and transfer-of-knowledge aspect of the program.
Yes, these elements will be integrated.
5. We have a new Canadian War Museum, but we had no floral beds with tulip
displays for the Royal visit. Given that the site is visited by the Royal
family and we have a festival park across the street, something needs to be
done to increase the floral display here.
LeBreton Flats is still evolving, and it is hard to get a handle on where best to
incorporate floral displays. Naturalization along the waterside pathway corridor has
been identified and this would likely be where we would begin at LeBreton Flats.
This is a good comment and it is noted.
6. Have you considered green roofs to integrate?
7. Green walls as well?
Good suggestions. Yes these are elements we are willing to consider.
8. What about garden contests, to encourage people in the city?
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the wives of two Governor Generals were actively
involved in citizen beautification contests. There is therefore a long tradition of
horticultural involvement of this kind, and it is something that should definitely be
encouraged.
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9. In regards to information on different areas, there are so many existing
parks in the Ottawa region that I don’t know about. Is there a map of these
gardens and parks anywhere?
Good point. I don’t know. This is something to consider in developing educational or
interpretive materials.
10. Focusing on the tourism aspect is a good approach. The challenge with
horticultural tourism is that a massive scale results in a sea of scattered
places. The need is to create a strong singular focus. To keep people’s
interest you need to have other complementary benefits that are varied
enough. From the perspective of an outsider, I believe the whole
education/ cultural aspect is critical.
11. A flagship garden! I am ashamed to say that Ottawa is not on the VIA Rail
National Garden Route. There is no single garden that draws visitors.
Commissioner’s Park has the potential to be a primary attraction.
12. Montreal has a botanical garden that functions as a key drawing site, then
tourists branch out from there.
13. Ottawa does not have a central location for lectures to educate the public.
14. Vincent Massey Park is a big area that has the potential to be that place.
Commissioner’s Park is a beautiful area, but it’s too small.
Yes, but if you combine Commissioner’s Park, the Dominion Arboretum, the
Ornamental Gardens, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the future site of the Botanic
Garden, you have a substantial garden destination.
15. In Vincent Massey Park, you need to draw people to a destination, but what
makes them stay?
16. Board member of the Ottawa Botanical Garden Society: It has been very
hard to zero in on a future botanical garden. The Arboretum covers an area
of 34 acres and would be an excellent choice.
17. We have an Arboretum that is dying right now [mass ohhhhs from
participants]. Why can we not exploit this element?
18. To marry them is key!
19. Where to park? The Arboretum is beautiful, all these places are great, but
parking is limited and no one wants cars in their neighbourhood. We need
mini buses. Ecotourism. How do we get people out of their cars?
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20. With strollers and kids you don’t want to walk too far. This should be
considered.
21. The important circle, the horticultural node, does everyone know what is
included in that site?
The location is pointed out on one of the plans. It is a good combination of
horticultural and arboricultural amenities. It is a real gem to work on.
22. Does the vision include urban reforestation?
The floral vision primarily focuses on floral aspects. Trees would be considered
within the context of the rehabilitation or implementation of floral displays.
23. Can we incorporate students from Algonquin College?
Algonquin College participant: We presently have three acres around the school that
we are struggling to keep up. We function on a conventional session system and the
students are gone in the summer, so there is no summer labour, although they
would be available for hire. There is a potential for working with education institutes
to provide jobs, but the potential for summer coop is limited by the students’ need
to earn money.
24. Invite the communities to participate from across the country so that you
are really getting something that is representative.
25. Member of friends of the Farm: that circle, the jewel of horticultural should
not be lost or tampered with.
26. The courtyards are hidden gems. Could these places be further exploited?
E. Workshop:
Participants were invited to take part in either an individual letter-writing or a group brainstorming
exercise (see below) for 15 minutes. All participants selected Activity 2.
ACTIVITY 1: LETTER TO YOUR FRIEND (INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE)
Write a letter to a friend from another country to invite him/her to the National Gardens of the Capital
next summer.
How would you describe these gardens? In other words, how do you imagine the new floral
experience? Describe an attractive product!
LVII
ACTIVITY 2: “MONEY IS NO OBJECT” (TEAM EXERCISE)
With no budget limit for the new vision for the floral program, write down a list of ideas of attractions
that would be great to realize. Five teams were set up.
Choose one of the following topics:
1. How do you attract Ottawa and Outaouais residents (themes, main activities that will
create pride and a sense of being Canadian)?
2. How do you attract families (themes, main activities that will create the desire to
come back)?
3. How do you attract tourists (themes, main activities that will create a “wow!”
effect)?
Each of the five groups was assigned one of the three group topics and asked to choose a
person from the team to summarize and present the ideas at the end of the workshop.
Group 1
2. How do you attract families (themes, main activities that will create the desire
to come back)?
•
We want to create a desire to come back. How do we do this and increase our
visitor’s desire to return?
•
Natural paths with an interactive map, similar to a scavenger hunt map, with
directions to find specific artworks, monuments, plants, etc. Be sure to guide visitors
to what you want them to see.
•
Water theme attractions for children to have a physical experience. The Epcot water
attraction is a good example, as it is highly interactive.
•
Art exhibits integrated in the parks.
•
Herb gardens with medicinal and healing plants showcased, native plants, oldfashioned remedies, plants that are poisonous.
•
Organize front-line events and invite concierges and front desk staff in
take part in the promotions.
•
Ottawa tourism: promoting special events at the Botanical Garden.
•
Theme areas which display Canadian heroes or VIPs.
•
A miniature village.
hotels to
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•
Seating and rest areas for families; ensure public restrooms are available.
•
Hanging baskets or banners to mark the floral route. Permanent building for yearround access and displays.
Group 2
3. How do you attract tourists (themes, main activities that will create a “wow!”
effect)?
•
Major garden with different activities, with a route bringing you to other gardens.
The Experimental Farm is a good location, but we need to create a garden that
would stand out.
•
Focus advertising on two key cities (Montreal and Toronto).
•
Use all festivals and activities (Race Weekend in May, Winterlude, Bell Canada Cup,
Tulip Festival, etc.). If an event uses pictures that include our gardens it instils an
image in people’s minds of our city being a garden city.
•
Four-season garden: lots of cities no longer have this. Winterlude sites would be an
ideal location for a winter garden.
•
Strategic public relations brochure to all botanical associations throughout the world.
•
Involve Ottawa/Ontario populations so they will self-promote and talk to their guests
about it.
•
Have a major garden and include a route for those who are interested, and
incorporate activities.
•
Create a “wow!” garden to leave a permanent image in the minds of visitors.
•
Kids’ gardens, water features, and statues.
•
Create a link to the Experimental Farm, with a name that is memorable.
•
Four-season theme.
Group 3
1. How do you attract Ottawa and Outaouais residents (themes, main activities
that will create pride and a sense of being Canadian)?
•
Highlight rivers, waterways, Aviation Parkway, and bike paths with a naturalization
theme.
•
Provide parking, with rental of bikes and roller blades on site.
LIX
•
Focus on children’s activities: discovery gardens.
•
Promote wildlife.
•
Make maps available to local residents, placing the focus outside the city core and
highlighting a progression from the urban forest to the city core.
•
Botanical trails, Parliament trails that are manageable for young and physically
challenged visitors.
•
Paddle trails with increased access points to the canal; allow water activities –
canoeing and kayaking, including rentals.
•
Bike route from Rideau Falls and Ottawa Locks to Carleton University.
•
Walking and biking trails throughout the city on manageable and independent
circuits.
•
Parliamentary trail, Rideau Trail, Gatineau Trail, Botanical Trail.
Group 4
2. How do you attract families (themes, main activities that will create the desire
to come back)?
•
Focus on interactive attractions.
•
Focal point to attract families.
•
Pathways.
•
Node is the place for avant-garde attractions. We need to let go a little bit.
•
Showcasing: Parliament Hill is known but Hog’s Back and the rapids are not as well
known. Integrated with interpretative education elements.
•
Vincent Massey Park, Botanical Garden.
•
Create attractions along the cycle paths.
Group 5
1. How do you attract Ottawa and Outaouais residents (themes, main activities
that will create pride and a sense of being Canadian)?
•
Attract attention by a photo competition across the country; send a delegation or
group to travel to major cities across the country and promote the region.
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•
Organise photo competition of gardens, including all elements: people, insects,
trees, etc.
•
Use television and local media to highlight the gardens.
•
World Wide Web that highlights local gardens as well as events.
•
Activities such as a garden competition, organized at the interprovincial level or
designed to attract the participation of new Canadians.
•
Plant ornamentals out of zone.
F. Question Period:
Do you have a budget? Is this achievable?
That will be part of the next phase, the 10-year Implementation Plan.
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Session 2 – 6pm to 8pm
A. Welcome
B. Introduction
C. Presentation
Same as above.
D. Comment and Questions:
1. Will trees also be included in the Floral Vision? A planting program? Yes, but only within the context of the floral sites. Existing and proposed trees are part of the
design, but the focus of this initiative is the floral aspects.
Does this include the downtown area?
Yes.
E. Workshop:
Participants were invited to take part in either an individual letter-writing or a group brainstorming
exercise (see below) for 15 minutes. Again, all participants selected Activity 2.
Group 1:
2. How do you attract tourists (themes, main activities that will create a “wow!” effect)? Botanical Gardens and Thematic Gardens
Touch feel and smell garden, renewable:
•
Good for all ages.
•
School kids until mid-June, senior’s tours in the summer months.
•
Can be integrated throughout Ottawa or focused in one area.
•
Needs to be updated constantly and changing to keep people coming back.
•
Conservation and education are key.
•
Use biodegradable containers.
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Native Garden: educate the public.
•
Canada-specific education.
•
Link to Canada’s Capital significance and experience.
•
Focused in one area.
•
Illustrate relationship between flora and fauna.
•
Cover as many native species throughout all of the provinces and territories
(provincial flowers at the least).
•
Integrate native forests of Canada.
•
No other city is known for promoting native species significance.
•
There is a real lack of public knowledge.
•
Community building (plant sales, etc.).
A strong focus on children needs to be emphasized in the gardens.
•
Mer Bleue in the Greenbelt: excellent visitor centre and interpretation experience. An
opportunity to use the Internet where pamphlets and educational materials can be
printed and then brought to the site by visitors, as opposed to stocking the site. The
information that was provided in the past was of excellent quality.
•
The Music Garden of Toronto (Julie Messervy and YoYo Ma) is a great example of a
garden that attracts locals and visitors.
Promotion and Interpretation
•
Internet has made a lot of changes for public knowledge and awareness
•
NCC website lacks this user friendly event awareness, in particular directions,
photos, and where to park
Partnerships
•
The Ontario Horticultural Association has an email contact list of 33,000 to 44,000
members that could be used. These people are willing to travel for unique garden
experiences.
•
Adding links on the website will encourage others to link back to the NCC website.
•
Understand the target audience (contacts of contacts).
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•
Newsletters are a great way of letting interested people know about specific events
(e.g. Museum of Nature).
•
Great for upkeep of gardens.
•
Horticultural societies are willing to work.
•
Websites make partnerships apparent to the public and play a large role in
promotion.
•
Twitter website communicates to those interested.
Themes (examples of gardens)
•
Poets’ Pathways.
•
Shakespeare in the Garden, Stratford.
•
Political history of Canada.
•
Rose garden above the Mackenzie King Bridge on the NAC property: red and white
roses arranged in the shape of Canada’s flag.
•
More interpretive theme gardens could draw people to Ottawa and the floral vision.
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Questionnaire Results: The following is an amalgamation of all the responses received.
1. Do you have any general comments on the draft vision? •
The floral program is currently too spread out. Concentrate the vision in certain
areas.
•
Very well done. We can see that you put in a lot of research.
•
Obviously there has been a lot of work and consultation to date. Good job. Well
rounded and inclusive.
•
Would like to see a National Children’s Garden, with design input from children and
children’s organizations.
•
The vision needs to go beyond the floral program, to promote a “green” city.
•
Would like to see Ottawa develop areas on a par with other international cities in
terms of innovative gardens, sustainable practices, and good design.
•
Wish the City of Ottawa would encourage developers to include green roofs, living
walls, vegetated bioswales in parking lots, etc.
•
Government officials should be leading by example and demonstrating sustainable
landscaping.
•
We should be planting ecolawns (blends of fescue grasses) instead of the traditional
seeding mixes.
•
Encourage the use of grey water or rainwater for irrigation.
•
More plantings (perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees) along Ottawa’s main streets,
such as Bank, Bronson, O’Connor, and Carling.
•
If you want to see a great example of a city becoming more green, see Chicago:
street plantings along the Wacker River and the main roads, Millennium Park, City
Hall green roof.
•
NCC-sponsored garden competition with serious prizes for
communities, wards; should be well advertised and encouraged.
•
Support goal of more native plants, more perennials, and sustainable gardens. NCC
should be a role model and educate the public on environmentally sound gardening
practices.
single
gardens,
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•
An annotated map of what we already have to offer in the city is what I'd much
appreciate in any city I visited.
•
A centre of some sort for horticultural information and plans would be a huge asset.
The Experimental Farm/Dow’s Lake node is the obvious place.
•
Ottawa has a particular richness in old gardens and garden history. I'm not thinking
of a list of "heritage" houses, like Maplelawn, Laurier House, the Mackenzie King
Estate, etc. but rather something much more interesting.
•
The following could be three lynchpins of a DIY tour:
o
Maplelawn, as a national historic site because it is uniquely complete as a mid19th century walled garden and farm house from the days before Ottawa
existed;
o
Beechwood Cemetery, as a demonstration of a 19th sensibility in a particular
kind of landscaping as well as holding a wonderful mix of national and local
figures;
o
The Experimental Farm because it is a unique demonstration of a growing
awareness of Canada's own identity distinct from British roots, with a climate
and national aspirations all its own.
•
We have a great deal more that could widen the scope of such a unique tour, such
as respected local authors on the subject, like Eileen Woodhead and Edwinna Von
Baeyer, and specialist collections such as those of the National Archives and the
Experimental Farm.
•
As the capital of Canada, support focus on developing garden that reflect Canada to
Canadians.
•
Suggest a fabulous “winter garden” with Christmas lights and music, with coloured
bark, textured branches, berries and other fruit, and ornamental grasses – perhaps
along the shores of Dow’s Lake leading to the Arboretum.
•
An amphitheatre built into the hillside north of the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, with
very wide, grassy steps where people could listen to concerts and attend theatre
productions.
•
Proposed new gardens should be designed by internationally recognized professional
landscape designers through competitions. The Chicago Botanic Gardens and
Millennium Park Gardens are good examples of this approach.
•
NCC should team up with private corporations and create a culture that fosters
innovation.
LXVI
•
The public gardens of Ottawa, including the Rideau Hall gardens, the Dominion
Arboretum, the Mackenzie King Estate Garden at Kingsmere, and Maplelawn Garden,
should be included in the VIA Rails Garden Tour brochure, which lists over 30 other
garden to visit across Canada.
•
Ottawa is one of the very few national capitals lacking a botanical garden.
•
Good to see all the partners around the table.
•
I like the idea of developing the Dow’s Lake/ Arboretum/ Fletcher Wildlife Garden
area. This area has great potential. It has water, topography, mature trees,
meadows, and forests, along with the formal beds at Commissioner’s Park.
•
It is nice to see the Capital’s waterways incorporated into the vision. We really need
to think outside the box and use the water as much as possible, such as for floating
displays. Plant floral material on Pig Island. 3D floral sculptures in Dows Lake.… Why
not?
•
Think about portable displays that could be moved out of the way to accommodate
winter, special events and new planting configurations. What about planters on
wheels?
•
More consideration needs to be given to year-round displays. How can we take
advantage of six months of winter to showcase our displays rather than surrounding
everything with a snow fence and waiting for spring?
•
We must find ways to excite young people to the pleasures and benefits of plant
material. Local schools and teachers need to be invited to be part of their Capital’s
landscape by allowing them to get involved in planting, maintenance, and design
programs.
2. What is your favourite part of the proposed vision? •
Improving the Horticultural/ Arboricultural node facilities.
•
Central horticultural node has great potential.
•
Jacques Cartier Park.
•
Family opportunities.
•
Sustainability; use of native species; opportunities for “naturalized” areas; use of
stormwater as water source; eco-tourism.
•
Focus on innovation.
•
Love the idea of more naturalistic plantings along all the parkways, especially the
Airport Parkway leading into the nation’s Capital.
LXVII
•
Love the idea of incorporating art, theatre, etc. in the park.
•
Horticultural and Arboricultural node, including the future Botanical Garden site and
the Experimental Farm, the birthplace of horticulture in Canada.
•
Very interested in the marketing information, especially the importance of the web
sites and the need for family-focused experiences.
•
Creating two anchor nodes “Urban Core” and “Horticultural Core” linked by the
Rideau Canal: the first phase of the Floral Vision should focus on the development of
these anchors and a few substantial, glorious gardens rather than a scattering of
smaller gardens.
•
Incorporation of water.
•
Discovery/ learning side of the displays, to make them more exciting for younger
people to get turned on to the many uses and environmental benefits of plant
material.
3. What is your least preferred part of the proposed vision, and what would you adjust? •
Too many mini-projects in the city core, which detracts from the wonderful historical
and modern architecture.
•
More needed in Gatineau!
•
Good to focus on tourist areas, but don’t forget about opportunities in suburbs and
rural areas – rural tourism opportunities.
•
Use of bikes that can be rented downtown and dropped off at other spots.
•
A participant is not sure he’s in agreement with the many others who want to see a
botanical garden as a focal point. Sees the entire Capital as a display. Maybe they have a point.
4. What idea(s) that you heard from your fellow stakeholders would you most like to see included in the proposed vision? •
A “Horticultural Heart in our City” namely the Arboretum/ Experimental Farm.
•
Have Ottawa on the VIA Rail Garden Route.
•
Have corporations undertake gardens.
•
Floral tours that include cycling opportunities.
•
Education opportunities wherever possible.
•
Four-season opportunities.
LXVIII
5. Does your organization have any events, programs, or other initiatives that you think would build upon and enhance the proposed vision? •
Ontario Horticultural Association: “Ottawa is Blooming” garden show, with a full
standard flower and decorative show.
•
Gatineau Chamber of Commerce:
•
Working with all festivals to raise the awareness of tourists; also in the region;
•
Workshop to get more participants interested and involved;
•
Promoting a “garden contest” in the area; get Ottawa-Gatineau involved.
•
City of Ottawa: for NGOs and volunteer groups, the City’s Green Partnership
Program is available to provide funding for new, one-time “greening” initiatives such
as floral displays and naturalized areas for public spaces. More information at
ottawa.ca/green.
•
Ottawa Botanical Garden Society
o
The proposed first phase of the Botanical Garden of Canada would include a
cutting-edge garden (native medicinal and poisonous plants garden or a water
garden recycling water from Dow’s Lake), an information and interpretive centre,
parking, and access to the canal.
o
Have a number of events each year that promote a knowledge and love of
horticulture and arboriculture (www.ottawagarden.ca).
o
Events of the past two years have included tours of city gardens in the Ottawa
area (A Passion for Gardens), country gardens (Over the Hedge: A Country
Garden Tour with a Twist), and a trip to Flora Montreal.
LXIX