We’re in the North York neighborhood of Toronto this morning, where Cherry Ong is sharing photos of the Entry Garden Walk at the Toronto Botanical Garden.

The Entry Garden Walk was designed by Piet Oudolf. This was his first Canadian project and was inspired by his New Wave Planting style using bold drifts of perennials and grasses, punctuated with shrubs and trees. The garden is planted in naturalistic waves and is not deadheaded for three years to allow for self-seeding and the formation of the “sophisticated meadow.” Plants are deadheaded selectively. The garden was generously donated by the Garden Club of Toronto (@gardencluboftoronto).

The fluid sculpture seen in the garden is called The Garden Web by renowned Canadian artist Ron Baird and was installed into the entry garden in May 2010. It is a dramatic 9-meter polished stainless-steel sculpture that rises up and maintains a vision through every season.

Masses of single white peonies (Paeonia hybrid, probably the variety ‘Krinkled White’, Zones 4–9) pair with clouds of blue catmint (Nepeta × faassenii, Zones 5–9) for early summer color.

Closer view of The Garden Web sculpture.

Single peonies like this require less maintenance because they usually don’t need to be staked. ‘Krinkled White’ has the bonus of being very vigorous and one of the best peonies for warmer climates.

This view across the meadow planting includes dark-leaved Penstemon digitalis (Zones 3–8) in the foreground and the many tall spires of pink Phlomis tuberosa (Zones 5–9) behind it.

Phlomis tuberosa isn’t often seen in gardens, but it is a great perennial. It is particularly excellent for hot, dry spots, as it is very drought tolerant.

White blooms of Penstemon digitalis (Zones 3–8) hover over the blue stars of amsonia (Amsonia tabernaemontana, Zones 3–9).

Allium christophii (Zones 4–8) blooms in the foreground, while the imposing Persicaria polymorpha (Zones 3–8) blooms behind with clouds of white.

 

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