Garden Stories

A unique display takes shape each year at Rockway Gardens, through the interesting art of carpet bedding. This longstanding horticultural technique involves creating intricate patterns and shapes using specific, low-growing plants, with vibrant foliage colours. These plants can be carefully clipped to form geometric displays, logos, or even illustrations. Some of the popular plant choices for carpet bed arrangements include Echeveria, Alternanthera, Santolina, trailing Sedums, fibrous Begonias, and low-growing Marigolds.

Every year, the Rockway Gardens team creates a new design for the carpet bed behind the Court of Flags, and this year is no different. The 2024 carpet bed display pays tribute to a significant milestone in Canadian aviation history by commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The RCAF has played an important role in promoting peace and contributing to Canada’s progress. Through humanitarian missions, search and rescue operations, and aid during natural disasters, members of the RCAF have saved countless lives. The Royal Canadian Air Force, under the Canadian Armed Forces, also act as environmental stewards, seeking to implement environmentally friendly practices throughout their operations, including reducing emissions. Their search and rescue missions and disaster response efforts often involve extensive environmental protection and cleanup exercises.

Rockway’s 2024 carpet bed design uses a blend of Bronze, Gold, Green, Snowball, and Red Alternanthera, as well as Sedum Angelonia – plants who’s hardiness, resilience and ability to adapt to different growing situations align well with the spirit embodied by the men and women of the RCAF. Corsican Mini Mint is also included in the design, adding a layer of interactivity for garden visitors – pause for a moment of personal peace as you inhale its calming scent.

By featuring the RCAF in this year’s carpet bed design, we aim to recognize and appreciate its many contributions. The GardenKitchener and Rockway Gardens teams value the diversity of perspectives in our community. As you wander past the carpet bed this season, we invite you to also reflect on the ways in which we can all promote peace and sustainability across our community.