This 500 s.m. garden celebrates the majesty of Québec’s indigenous landscapes and honours the resilience of the human spirit in the age of COVID-19.

The garden uses a diverse selection of plant species from East China to re-imagine the lush seasonal forests and sprawling, colourful meadows of Québec’s Laurentian region. The materials of the garden make use of natural elements which pay homage to the craftmanship and innovative construction techniques of Québec’s First Nations peoples, whom have a deep respect for the natural world. The message here is one of unity and kinship – that the people of Québec and Shanghai are united by a shared appreciation for nature’s humble beauty.

This garden also underlines the theme of Hope, by reflecting upon the difficult journey that nearly all of us have shared over the past year. Beyond the dense, secluded Birch Forest sits a bright, cheerful Clearing, the centre of which features social seating and a timber “teepee” – an indigenous symbol of family and community - encouraging visitors to come together after experiencing distance and isolation – a message of Hope in this uncertain world.