Montreal Celebrity - Bevin And His Dreadlocks

"I don't pose. If I posed for everybody who have asked to take my photo, I wouldn't get anywhere. There are probably photos of me all over the world."

Bevin, whose acquaintance I made at our local communal gardens, had uttered these words in a matter-of-factly, but gentle manner. "Go ahead, take the photo" he added, and waved me good-bye. Too bad he was in a hurry, I feel that there's something more to Bevin than just amazing dreadlocks.

Montreal - Domtar Garden - Michel Saulnier - Update

" Through its blend of material, verticality and iconography, this work evokes an Aboriginal totem pole. A totem was an animal or plant, which the First nations of the West Coast considered to be the ancestor and protector of the clan. In this case, the totem is viewed as the protector of the forest resource for future generations. With its upwardly spiralling movement, this "never-ending pole" is intended to convey the idea of renewal and sustainability.

The bear is the symbol of wisdom and the healing arts among Aboriginal cultures. For North Americans, the bear is a mythical animal par excellence. Its presence on this symbolic location serves as a reminder to be respectful of ecosystems in order to conserve and protect the forest and biodiversity. " *

* Source: plaque accompanying the Echo sculpture by Michel Saulnier.

Apparently, the Domtar Garden was created to showcase the elements of both the boreal forest and our local mixed forest. And supposedly, Jack pine, black spruce, white birch, sugar maples, northern hackberry, serviceberry and red-osier dogwood specimens are planted here. But due to the lack of signage, a visitor would not recognize the raison d'etre of this garden... nor readily name one of the specimens mentioned. It was only after I got home and googled the garden that I discovered this bit of information. I am truly disappointed with the management of this project. I think a repeat visit is in order.

Montreal - Domtar Garden - Michel Saulnier

Michel Saulnier's  "Echo" sculpture.
Does it look like a totem pole of teddy bears?

The building in the background is the "Caron Building". It was built in 1923 when commercial skyscrapers' height was limited to 10 floors or 130 feet maximum.

A Downtown Oasis.

This space used to be an old city parking lot. In 2002, the Domtar Paper Company purchased it and collaborated with the City of Montreal to create this green space. Its downtown location provides an ideal respite from the hustle and bustle and it is greatly appreciated by the lunch crowd.

Old Montreal - The Secret Garden

Leaving the restaurant from yesterday's post, I decided to wander up a side street. I wasn't even two blocks up the path when I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. I turned to see what had caught my attention and this is what I glimpsed through the bars of a wrought-iron gate. It was quite the vision. What a pity that I couldn't get a better look at the courtyard. For the moment, this will have to do!

Colour My World

We're five days into the summer and all we've had is rain. Here are the blossoms of three Japanese Tree Peonies from my garden. They provide a much needed blast of colour and fragrance. Hope you enjoy!

Thanks to Petula Clark for inspiring me. Please Click Here.

MMFA Sculpture Garden: Antony Gormley

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts's sculpture garden, which dates back to 2002, has one of the city's largest collection of public art. Over twenty works are highlighted in this outdoor garden, accessible to the public on Du Musée Avenue and Sherbrooke Streets. This piece is titled "Building VI". Every time I pass by, it reminds me of the line "Beam me up, Scotty" from Star Trek!

Artist: Antony Gormley (Born in 1950)
Artwork titled ‘Building VI’ (2003)
Stainless steel blocks
Located outside the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on Avenue du Musee, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Westmount Park: An Olmsted Design

Centrally located, Westmount Park is the most popular park in Westmount. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed Mount-Royal Park and Central Park in New York City. Its idyllic walking paths, shady gazebo, indigenous flowers, towering trees and gently flowing pond make it an ideal place to read, sunbathe and picnic. The park is often used by summer newlyweds as a backdrop for photos.

Atwater Market: Color Therapy

Often referred to as the biggest garden in town, the Atwater Market is a farmer's market located near the Lachine Canal. Come summer, its parking lot is transformed into a gigantic greenhouse. There are over 18 vendors of exotic flowers and plants, and a dozen or so vendors of fresh fruits and vegetables. As you can see, it's a feast for the eyes. With our long and cold winter behind us, Montrealers revel in the much needed splash of glorious colors.

Montreal's Japanese Garden

The serene Japanese Garden in Montreal stretches over 2.5 hectares and incorporates the traditional elements of stone, water and plants.  Designed by Ken Nakajima and opened in 1989, it is a typical stroll garden, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of contemplation, past stones set carefully to suggest mountains and valleys; around ponds and along streams that reflect the sky and clouds overhead; over arched or zigzag bridges; and through simple gardens featuring Japanese tree peonies, maples, irises and other plants. (Source)

The Hovey Manor in North Hatley

The main building: ante-bellum architecture.

The spectacular lake view with the perennial garden in bloom.

The comfortable library is furnished with antiques.

The Hovey Manor (Manoir Hovey in French) is a year-round getaway that is only 1-1/2 hour drive from downtown Montreal. Situated in the outskirts of the lakeside town of North Hatley, it is well hidden from the main road. It has a prime lake front location, spectacular gardens, first class service and above all, its renown cuisine is second to none. This is the perfect weekend destination for that special occasion.

Maison Saint-Gabriel House, Montreal

This farmhouse is an example of French-inspired rural architecture: stone masonry, a pitched roof and a wood frame. Located in Pointe-Saint-Charles, 5 minutes drive from downtown Montreal, the Maison Saint-Gabriel House was purchased by Marguerite Bourgeoys in 1668. And for 300 years, it housed the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame of Montreal, who operated the farm to supply their own community. Currently, the museum is a great showcase of New France / Quebec rural farm-life... definitely worth a visit. I personally come once or twice a year just to enjoy the zen atmosphere and the surrounding gardens.

Lower Westmount: Victorian Style

These Victorian homes are in "Lower Westmount" and the buildings date from the late 1800's. This cozy one block street is actually a 5 minute walk from the core of downtown Montreal ! The majority of the front gardens in this corner of town are stamp-sized... usually around 12 feet by 12 feet. Nonetheless, this homeowner manages to create this wonderful tapestry of colours.

Springtime in Montreal

Montreal's winters are notorious for being frigid and Spring is a long time coming. But when it does arrive, it explodes in lush displays of greenery and flowers like this one on the "Alexandrina" magnolia tree in my back garden. Its amazing flowers are easily 6 inches across.