Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens

The design and construction of a botanical gardens laid out to display natural plant associations by region.

As a partner of his previous practice, Peter Richards worked with the university’s dynamic chancellor and project sponsors, the Irving Family, on the development of the KC Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. The concept was to introduce botanical gardens displaying the floral types and associations of the Acadian Floral Region which encompasses north-east Canada and parts of Maine. The gardens were conceived from the outset as a research resource and tool for students and staff and as a garden to be open to the public. The gardens took the form of a classical layout that incorporated large lawns that are used for other university activities including public relations events, graduation and lecture tours. A number of world class universities and botanical gardens were visited to explore ideas for the scheme. Working with the university’s staff and a number of enthusiastic local botanists and amateur enthusiasts a series of individual gardens were created.