Florals, Naturally

Tags: February 2023, Vol. 3, Issue 2

The Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre will be hosting a brand-new exhibition to usher in Spring: Florals, Naturally featuring the paintings of Courtney Carstens.

As we explore the world of watercolour flowers, we delve into the principles of permaculture, a system of designing landscapes that work with nature, rather than against it. Permaculture emphasizes the importance of using organic, sustainable methods of gardening and farming, and incorporates ideas such as biodiversity, soil health, and natural systems of pest control.

In Ontario, permaculture is especially important when it comes to the cultivation of native plants and flowers. By planting and preserving these species, we can create a more balanced ecosystem, and help to maintain the delicate relationships between plants and their pollinators. Ontario is home to a diverse array of native plants and flowers, which all play important roles in the health and vitality of local ecosystems.

Artist Courtney Carstens is particularly drawn to nature and botanicals. Her paintings beautifully capture the details and colours of the natural world, and she frequently experiments with new techniques that push the boundaries of her craft. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Courtney is also a certified permaculture teacher, having studied the principles of sustainable living and organic gardening.

Florals, Naturally will be on display from May 8th to July 28th, on the third floor of the Welcome and Student Resource Centre at 2 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive.

The exhibition is free to attend, and open to all audiences.