Urban Regenerative Landscapes
Jane's Walk Festival
4 May 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of leading a walk during the Jane’s Walk Festival, an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. I led the walk as both a designer and an advocate for ecological harmony, and got to share my love for getting to know the spontaneous urban plants I encounter as I walk around Toronto and in different cities.
My walk offered a unique exploration of a small pocket of Downtown Toronto, pausing at St. James Park, following along alleyways into a shaded parkette, through hidden corporate courtyards, and ended in the well-manicured and whimsical Berkczy Park. I shared an Urban Plants Guide highlighting some of the plants we would encounter, and invited participants to uncover the often overlooked beauty of plants thriving in spaces that weren’t built to accommodate them.
Urban Regenerative Landscapes
Jane's Walk Festival
4 May 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of leading a walk during the Jane’s Walk Festival, an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. I led the walk as both a designer and an advocate for ecological harmony, and got to share my love for getting to know the spontaneous urban plants I encounter as I walk around Toronto and in different cities.
My walk offered a unique exploration of a small pocket of Downtown Toronto, pausing at St. James Park, following along alleyways into a shaded parkette, through hidden corporate courtyards, and ended in the well-manicured and whimsical Berkczy Park. I shared an Urban Plants Guide highlighting some of the plants we would encounter, and invited participants to uncover the often overlooked beauty of plants thriving in spaces that weren’t built to accommodate them.
1 : : Greater Plantain : : Defining Weeds
Our journey began at historic St. James Park, where I introduced the concept of “weeds” as symbols of our evolving relationship with nature. Together, we considered the resilience of plants like the Greater Plantain, which challenge our preconceived notions of beauty and utility. I shared how these plants embody the intricate dance between humans and unplanned flora, urging participants to reflect on the subtle nuances of coexistence.
2 : : Dandelions : : What Can Our New Relationship Look Like?
At the Cathedral Church of St. James, the bright colors of dandelions caught everyone’s attention. I highlighted the importance of forming stronger bonds with the land, especially amidst the rise in ecological activism over recent decades. Drawing from Indigenous perspectives rooted in reciprocity, respect, and the intrinsic value of all living beings, I encouraged participants to rethink how we relate to even the most familiar plants.
3 : : Horseweed : : Considering Public Art
As we walked along Church Street, I pointed out the overlooked features of horseweed, a plant that symbolizes endurance against the harshest conditions. Standing before a mural painted by Nunavut artists, I invited participants to reflect on the connections between art, nature, and human influence, making a case for recognizing the untamed beauty of the natural world.
4 : : Violets : : Beyond Aesthetics
At Courthouse Square Park, a peaceful pocket park, I revealed the delicate presence of violets and emphasized the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. Before wrapping up, I left everyone with a question: Beyond aesthetics, should we prioritize the preservation of wildflowers for their practical benefits in food and medicine?
I want to thank my team members from SvN Architects + Planners for endorsing me to create this walk, and also the Jane’s Walk Steering Committee and City Organizers for coordinating the festival every year, and everyone who joined me in exploring the oddities of this small pocket of Toronto!
