Designer says changes will be ‘a breath of fresh air’ and promises to be respectful of heritage

RBG gets rolling on restoration of Rock Garden

Janet Rosenberg knows she’s in for a challenge.

She’s been tasked with taking one of the area’s most beloved and historic outdoor locations and bringing it up to date — without losing any of the charm it’s had for 80 years. And making sure it’s exciting enough so younger generation will set down their iPhones and iPods long enough to want to get outside for a few hours of fresh air and sun.

Her business, Janet Rosenberg and Studio in Toronto, has been handed the challenge of updating the landscaping at the RBG’s Rock Garden.

“I am very aware of the importance and historical value of the Rock Garden,” she said at Tuesday’s kickoff. “That’s the beauty of it. It has such a strong heritage.”

Rosenberg’s project is part of a $20-million plan to upgrade the tourist attraction, located just off York Boulevard on the Hamilton-Burlington border.

The aim is to spruce up the Rock Garden and build a new visitors’ centre in time for next spring, said Royal Botanical Gardens CEO Mark Runciman. And turn “a 30minute visit” into a 90-minute visit.

“It will be like a breath of fresh air,” Rosenberg said of the project. “But we are also need to be very re- spectful. It’s something that people hold very dear, but it was getting to the point where it wasn’t that safe to walk on anymore.”

Built in 1930-31 on the site of an abandoned gravel pit, the Rock Garden was RBG’s first major display garden. In need of repair, it has been closed since August.

The visitors’ centre, which will be able to hold roughly 150 people for receptions and other events, plus a new parking lot off York Boulevard, are expected to boost visibility of the RBG, Runciman said.

The RBG has launched a $6-million fundraising campaign it hopes will involve City of Hamilton support. The RBG has commitments of from the federal and provincial governments of $7 million each.

Orlick Industries owner David Braley and his wife, Nancy Gordon, appeared at the event, pledging to match local donations up to a total of $2 million.