5 Frames at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Canada

Here in Hamilton, Canada we’re blessed with hundreds and hundreds of acres of preserved natural areas which are mostly managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority.  I’ve photographed and written about that previously here at 35mmc.

Hamilton is also blessed with abundant cultivated and curated open spaces managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens. The RBG differs from the Hamilton Conservation Authority in its mandate and approach to the environment.  Whereas the HCA is very much focussed on habitat and species preservation and regeneration, the RBG is more intent on beautification, although in recent times, RBG too has begun to focus more on regeneration and conservation.  In my opinion, both perform admirably.

The concept of beautification of parts of the city goes back to 1917.  But it was not until 1928 that a design competition was held for land consisting of about 55 acres in the west end of the city and encompassing an abandoned stone quarry.  That quarry was soon to be transformed into what became the Rock Garden.  By 1930 King George V approved the “Royal” designation of the garden and by 1932 it was completed and opened to the public.  The title of “Royal” apparently adds an air of honour and distinction.  The Royal Botanical Gardens are quite wonderful with or without the moniker.

The Rock Garden in particular has become the crown jewel within RBG.  There are other garden areas nearby but this, in my opinion, is the standout given its unique setting on reclaimed land.  Very often we tend to overlook or take for granted the more interesting and beautiful aspects of our own communities.  It happened in my case.  I hadn’t been to the Rock Garden since visiting there with my parents, siblings and my grandparents in the mid 1960’s when I was 8 or 10 years old.

My first visit since then was last winter.  All those years had passed without giving the gardens much thought.  This spring – in May, I returned once again and took these photos. I used my Nikon FE with Kodak TMax 100 ISO film shot at ISO 200.  I like the extra contrast the film gives at this speed.  The film was developed in HC 110 ‘B’ for six minutes.

I’ll be sure to return to the Rock Garden much more often now.  It’s a special place.

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