Commercial Solutions

Project Background

The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is an iconic indoor horticultural attraction that invites visitors to explore the world through plants. Featuring four distinct biomes—the Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Display House, and Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden—The Leaf showcases the rich diversity of plant life from across the globe. The surrounding outdoor area, known as the Gardens at The Leaf, expands over 30 acres and includes six themed gardens: the Indigenous Peoples Garden, Kitchen Garden, Sensory Garden, Performance Garden, Seasonal Garden, and The Grove.

This expansive project is part of a continued effort to develop Assiniboine Park, a beloved green space established in 1904. Through the incorporation of biophilic and culturally informed design principles, The Leaf has become a modern testament to Winnipeg’s botanical heritage, replacing the former conservatory with a more dynamic, immersive experience for visitors.

Design Inspiration and Use of Barkman Product:

The design of The Leaf’s outdoor gardens and pathways sought to create a seamless connection between nature and human interaction. HTFC Planning & Design looked to Barkman Concrete to help bring their vision to life through a range of products that could complement the organic flow of the gardens while offering functional support to the infrastructure.

Broadway Planks were chosen for the walkways throughout the gardens, providing clean, linear paths that guide visitors as they explore the different spaces. The sleek, large-format design of the Broadway Planks adds a contemporary element to the natural surroundings, offering durability while maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist appearance.

For the terraced landscaping and garden borders, Rosetta Outcropping stones were used to create natural-looking rock formations that blend effortlessly into the greenery. The texture and irregular shapes of the Rosetta Outcropping mimic real stone, providing a visually striking yet practical solution for retaining walls and terracing throughout the gardens.

The installation of Dimensional Steps further enhances accessibility and navigation across the outdoor spaces. These steps, known for their rugged aesthetic and structural integrity, were incorporated to offer a smooth transition between different garden levels, allowing visitors to easily move through the varying elevations of the gardens while enjoying unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.

By combining these Barkman products, The Leaf achieved a harmonious balance between modern design and natural beauty, creating a space where visitors can not only explore plant life but also feel connected to the environment in a thoughtful and inviting way.