Sandy Hill garden competition—and the winners are…

Elizabeth Grace Tremblay

In the last issue of IMAGE, Sandy Hill residents were encouraged to submit nominations for their favourite apartment building garden. Through this exercise, we were able to confirm that efforts and resources by landlords and residents are indeed noticed and appreciated by the community. It also prompted readers to share a bit of history and stories about some of the gardeners.

We were pleased to learn that residents at 404 Laurier Avenue East (The Strathcona) are responsible for the beautiful gardens around the building, as pictured on page 1. Not only does their hard work contribute to the sense of community, but children are able to witness the magical transformations throughout the growing season.

The splendid row of magnolias in front of the Deauville Apartments located at 363 Besserer Street is surely the longest such row of these gorgeous trees in the entire city. Their pink blooms have been a springtime favourite of Sandy Hill residents for over 40 years.

The abundance of cosmos along the 201 Laurier Avenue East building is successful in softening the unappealing architecture on a busy corner.

We also learned that the garden of Embassy Terrace at 330 Chapel, pictured in the last issue of IMAGE, has been faithfully maintained for 31 years by “Harry, the garden guy.” The many shrubs and trees that Harry Sharpe has planted over the years are thriving this summer with all the rain and sun. A shout-out was made to the gardener’s wife who has been conscientiously managing the building for 50 years, keeping it spotless. Wow!

The landscaping across the street at 333 Chapel also captured the attention of IMAGE readers. A garden committee of residents, under the leadership of Joëlle Sanderson, looks after ordering, planting and maintaining the plants in the colourful flower beds and planting boxes in front of the main entrance.

Honourable mention goes to The Envoy at 255 Stewart Street. This property managed by CLV Group is a little oasis within Sandy Hill. It has an abundance of bushes, trees and flowering plants the entire length of the building and around the outdoor pool area.

Honourable mention also to Carillon Manor, located at 210 Chapel Street. The entrance of the brick apartment building is adorned with an artistic arrangement of perennials and annuals on either side of the stairs leading to the main entrance. Looking around Sandy Hill, the property manager Fleming Property Management seems to be the company that most consistently invests in the landscaping of its properties, with fine results.

Congratulations to the winner of the garden competition, Coopérative d’habitation Voisins at 440 Wiggins Private in Strathcona Heights. Coop Voisins has had an active gardening team since its beginning in1992. Their artistry is evident in the carefully designed beds on either side of the walk leading to the front door. Many co-op residents assist with planting and taking care of the gardens surrounding the co-op and also participate in spring and fall clean-up days.

Thank you to those who sent in nominations and to all of those who work hard beautifying our neighbourhood. Attractive and lush landscaping is an easy way for landlords to benefit the community while enhancing their investment.