- 3 St. Leonard’s Avenue
- Photo: © Shaun Merritt
Up until relatively recently, the dawn redwood, such as the one to the right of the driveway on this unique front yard, was thought to be extinct. All that remained to prove that this coniferous tree once existed were fossils. About 50 years ago, however, a few living dawn redwoods were discovered in a remote hilly region in China. Following the find, excited tree-lovers the world over began planting them where the climate was suitable.
Some of the earliest dawn redwoods planted in Toronto can found in High Park and the University of Toronto. Because the species was rediscovered only decades ago, and has not grown in this area before, we can only guess how large and old this tree will become. What we do know about the dawn redwood is that it bears cones and has soft needles that fall to the ground every autumn, just as deciduous trees lose their leaves, one of the few coniferous trees to do so. This particular dawn redwood is likely around 10 years old.
The yard itself is the tireless work of a committed professional gardener, appreciatively supported and assisted by the homeowner. The monotonous green turf of most residential front yards has been completely removed, replaced instead with inspiring rock gardens, ornamental trees, and unique flowers.
- Next stop: Mega Magnolia
- Previous stop: Everywhere’s a Norway
- Return to map of: Lawrence Park
Funding for the program is generously provided by:
