Former entrance to Blantyre Public School

 

Location: Blantyre Public School

Date photo taken: 29 November 2020

This former doorway stands ready to welcome students back to school. Sort of. If you were to walk through it, you would actually find yourself in the parking lot. 

I love it when pieces of older buildings are salvaged and repurposed on site. They act as landmarks in time, helping us to better understand the history of a place. In this case, this installation takes us back to 1928 when Blantyre Elementary first opened. I find the placement a bit odd but I believe it serves a purpose. It seems that this doorway, paired with the hedge that runs out from either side of it, is a feature designed to stop the unwitting from tumbling down the short steep grade behind.

Rosetta McClain Gardens

Location: 5 Glen Everest Rd, near Kingston Road and Birchmount

Date photo taken: 9 September 2013

The Rosetta McClain Gardens are a special place, designed to provide a feast for the senses. The raised beds are planted with flowers, herbs and ornamental plants, chosen as much for their fragrance as their colour and texture. At the center of the garden, a large fountain fashioned from a boulder adds a soothing soundtrack. While active pursuits such as sports and cycling are not permitted in the park, there are trails for walking. The edge of the park sits on the bluff, high above the lake, offering great views of the water, and if you're lucky, glimpses of cliff swallows and other birds.