An Old World Garden in the Heart of Rosedale, ON

More than majestic trees, beautiful flowers, elegant stonework or even deep pockets, you need vision to create a breathtaking garden. 

Today, I hope to inspire you with just such a garden. Though it is set in the center of a big Canadian city, this garden feels private and remote. 

The atmosphere is decidedly Old World. 

The mood is slightly melancholy and deeply romantic.

Here you see the vine covered side of the house which is set into a hillside.

There are gardens on either side of the front entrance.

To the left of the front door, there is small courtyard of pea gravel. Two contemporary metal spheres make a nice counterpoint to the more traditional elements in this part of the garden. 

Though it looks like it has been there for all time, the moss covered stonework was added just 5 years ago and includes many pieces salvaged from old Ontario buildings.

A closer look at the plantings that include a white rose, ivy, purple campanula, hosta, 

japanese grass, and ferns.

At the top of a short flight of stone steps, there is a small terrace. Wouldn't this be a perfect 

place to sit with your morning coffee or to enjoy a light summer lunch? 

To add the relaxing ambience of splashing water, there is a small circular pool 

with a tile mosaic at the bottom. 

Now, we will walk by the front of the house and turn to our right this time.

There is also an entrance right off the street into this part of the garden.

Did you notice the wrought iron lamp that overhangs the gate? It's a nice detail.

The stone pathway leads to the side door.

Just beyond the doorway, there is the gateway leading to the back garden.

Just beyond that gate, we can see one of the garden's more interesting and unique details.

The former spire of the Cathedral Church of St. James in downtown Toronto was taken apart and rebuilt on the property by stonemason Augustus Butterfield.

A low stone wall arches across the back of the property.

Directly behind the in-ground swimming pool, is the focal point of the back garden- a Grecian folly with two ancient-looking columns.

Stone steps lead up and into the faux ruins.

Plantings here include English yews, junipers, ferns, Lady's Mantle, and purple allium.

Outside the garden gates a fast-paced modern world rushes by, but on the inside this quiet cocoon, it feels as though the world has stood still for all time.

More Information and Links:

Gardener: Evelyn Nepom, Kiva Gardens

Stonework: Augustus Butterfield