Carol Berndt Article and Photos

A hidden gem in suburban northwest Calgary , the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs stays open year-round , from dawn until dusk , for members of the community to escape to and enjoy .

Established twenty years ago , early developers first planted seven thousand trees along the boulevard and against the sound barrier wall separating the community of Silver Springs from the Crowchild Trail freeway . Since then , numerous community volunteers have created and continue to maintain a series of twenty-one themed gardens showcasing the variety of plants grown in Calgary ’ s climate . A 1.5-kilometre pathway meanders through forest groves , linking the themed gardens .

One of the most fascinating is the Shakespeare Garden . Except for the Arboretum in Vancouver ’ s Stanley Park , this is the only Shakespeare Garden that exists west of Stratford , Ontario . A Shakespeare Garden cultivates each of the 175 types of plants mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare . It includes clusters of species in profusion or in geometric layouts , decorated with walkways , benches , and statuary , with signs displaying relevant quotes from Shakespeare ’ s plays and poems . In his writings , Shakespeare used landscape and gardening knowledge to describe settings and characters , set mood , establish metaphors , and give symbolic meaning to certain plants . His references to trees ,

herbs , and flowers were observationally astute and botanically accurate .

Silver Springs ’ Shakespeare Garden was initiated and funded by ARTA member Dominic Saliani . A retired English teacher , Shakespeare expert , and editor of the Global Shakespeare series of textbooks , Dom provided the inspiration and quotations for the garden , while a dedicated team of volunteers supplied the materials and labour . During the first years , before the city installed an irrigation system , plants were watered by linking a series of garden hoses to the Salianis ’ s backyard tap ! Donations of benches , statues , and pottery were added over time , often as memorial tributes . The urban oasis remains an enchanting place to roam , read , and reflect .

Having visited parks around the world and being an avid gardener herself , Carol Berndt is grateful to the donors and volunteers who have transformed a neglected space into a lush , informative , and accessible botanical garden that all can enjoy .

— Perdita , in The Winter ’ s Tale ( 1623 )

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