Art eco

NATURE FIGHTS BACK: International Flora

by CHRISTINE REDFERN

Eighty per cent of Montreal’s land is either built on or paved. I read this information on a sign at International Flora, Montreal’s garden festival. It’s the hottest day of the summer and I swear I can feel my brain frying as I stand slightly stunned in the midday sun. Okay, I’m convinced; we need a lot more “green” in our urban environment.

The festival’s setting is spectacular, though. Nestled between the massive silos at the Old Port and the beginning of the Lachine Canal, there couldn’t be a better place to re-examine our relationship to nature. These impressive industrial remnants remind us of an era when the ecosystem was considered irrelevant to the onward march of human progress.

Let me say up front that I have a bit of a problem with some of the latest articles about gardening that I’ve read this summer, such as a piece about pruning, which offered the sage advice, “hire a professional,” or an interview with a landscape architect whose design included $180,000 just to buy plants for the hedge. Luckily for us, the Flora show is all about inspiring everyone, balcony-growers to mansion-owners alike. All the designers are proposing gardens that work more and more with, instead of against, nature. The ones that caught my eye were the slightly messy, unpredictable plantings that contain a bit of everything: flowers, vegetables, herbs, grasses and vines, or the wildflower meadows, grasses and plants, well-suited for growing on your roof or walls.

Until Sunday, Aug. 12, Flora’s special focus is on residential gardens. Many of the designers and garden suppliers are onsite to discuss plants and ideas with the public one-on-one. From Aug. 17–26, it’s the Gourmet Garden Feast, where you can eat food grown in the Flora gardens, prepared by chief-cook Sister Angèle Rizzardo, as well as Quebec-grown produce and delicacies dished up by 12 invited chefs. There are also daily culinary demonstrations for the BBQ. Lastly, from Aug. 30–Sept. 3, it’s Kyoto in My Garden. Canada might not be able to meet its Kyoto commitment, but you can help. Learn about what’s good to plant, alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers, how to conserve water and other sustainability issues.

Galleries go green

Kids under 12 are admitted to Flora for free, but if you think they might want to put their hands in the dirt, you can sign them up for Green Roofs at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (1920 Baile) for $4. Every Sunday until Aug. 27, children aged five to 12 and their parents are invited to build a miniature rooftop garden using earth, plants and seeds. Reservations are required, at (514) 939-7026.

Another local arts organisation that’s turning a little green is Quartier Ephémère (745 Ottawa). Jean-Paul Ganem’s vegetal installation “Ombre de ville,” a vertical garden located on the outside wall of the building, will be on view as of tonight (although the official opening is not until Sept. 6). Every Thursday until mid-October, Ottawa Street will be closed from 6–10 p.m. and invited musical guests will entertain you while you contemplate the wall-mounted vegetation, projections and eco-friendly art.

Circus acts & eco facts

This weekend, Aug. 10–12, you can chill out at the Fête Bio Paysanne at Cirque du Soleil’s TOHU complex (2345 Jarry E). This eco-organic festival is a mixed bag that should appeal to one and all—and I’m just guessing, but I bet this is the only fair anywhere that mixes organic vegetables and circus acts. The part that appeals to me is the area where you can go take a siesta in a hammock, just one of the smart ideas being presented over the three days.

The fair is divided into two main themes: “new ways of living and a renewed concept of community” and “farming and food.” The centrepiece of the first is a green cottage, built on site by Archibio, to highlight everything from sources of renewable energy to safe cleaning products to alternative building supplies. The allure of the “farming and food” section is an abundant organic market. Here you’ll find produce, cheeses, pastries, meats and more.

The Fête Bio Paysanne also hosts a variety of workshops that range from food-tasting to circus arts; a family bike rally; pétanques; face painting; a treasure hunt; and guided tours of the St-Michel Environmental Complex. Two free shows will also take place. Friday at 8 p.m., the world hip hop group Kodiak takes to the stage. While Sunday at 3 p.m., Rythme Umurisho brings you African drummers and dancers from Burundi. Bring your own bags, but leave the Hummer at home. For a complete schedule, visit www.fetebiopaysanne.ca or call 1-800-376-TOHU.