a Unique and Functional Combination of Garden Tools

Whimsical, playful, and unique are three words that describe the Plant It Forward installation, temporarily located at the south end of St. James Park. The work exuded whimsy and wheelbarrows in a unique and functional combination of garden tools, as well as plantings.

The installation created a sense of place, fitting into a stretch of King Street East while sparking joy for streetcar riders and pedestrians alike. The seating structure cleverly disguised itself as a wheelbarrow race and a trellis all at once, while the plantings climbed the structure to provide shade from the southern sun. This installation extended the living space and the living vegetation of the park proper onto King Street, enticing our city to stop, sit, and smile.

Project Information

Artist: John Notten

Developer/Owner/Client: City of Toronto

General Contractor: John Notten

Photographer: John Notten