Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/130547
Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' PHOTO: GAP/S & O Climate Change B.C.'S TEMPERATE WEATHER IS THE INFLUENCE BEHIND LANDSCAPE DESIGNER DAVE DEMERS'S TAKE ON THREE INTERNATIONAL-INSPIRED GARDENS TEXT DAVE DEMERS ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE L'ECUYER Sheltered by mighty mountains and tempered by vast seas, in B.C. we enjoy a mild climate and abundant rainfall favourable to rich and spectacular flora. Spoiled for choice, regional gardeners and designers alike sometimes opt for a bit of everything, an irresistible temptation resulting in fun but stylistically unfocused gardens. A stricter approach often yields better results. As proof, here is a typical backyard designed three different ways, based on cultural themes. Spared from any climatic extremes, it is easy for B.C. gardeners to push the conditions of a site. While summer irrigation and abundant compost allow lush jungle-like plantings to flourish, bright light and lots of coarse sand suit Provençal compositions just as well. Designed within a precise layout, around corresponding built-in elements and artifacts, these landscape designs are a ticket to a faraway destination. June 2013 BC HOME & GARDEN | 43 p42-47_Climate Change.indd 43 13-05-01 4:10 PM