Royal Bank of Canada Garden

‘I look at this garden as an extension of the RBC Waterscape Garden that I designed for the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I want visitors to be inspired by the dynamic and sculptural elements of the garden’s design but also understand humanity’s fundamental need for water, not just for consumption, but as an element that cleanses and heals, sculpts and softens, brings barren landscapes to life and lifts our spirits. My hope is that visitors leave with an appreciation of water’s importance to so many cultures around the world.'

Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean pine habitat of Jordan, the design has water as the focal point at the heart of the garden. Bright, yet simple, plantings are coupled with bold geometric forms in a muted colour palette to create a mosaic of different shades and textures. Multi-faceted black basalt sculptural features are clustered together like water molecules in patterns historically and globally associated with water.

‘I’ve designed the Royal Bank of Canada Garden to be aesthetically pleasing and emblematic of the endangered pine habitat of Dibeen in Jordan. When choosing plants, I’ve selected those that help illustrate how gardens in arid environments can have beautiful flora that require minimal rainfall,’ continued Mr Bugg. ‘I also wanted to incorporate traditional artisanal techniques in a contemporary and dynamic way. With that in mind, the garden’s boundary is made of sculptural stone and a traditional woven Bedouin goat wool fabric, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the design.

The garden’s message of water’s importance is in keeping with the goals of the RBC Blue Water Project, a wide-ranging, global commitment to help protect the world’s fresh water resources.

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