A slatted pergola is visible through a scrim of arching ornamental grasses in this Toronto courtyard gardenSee-through plantings bring airy allure to an artist’s contemporary courtyard garden in the city

Photos by Edward Pond.

Grasses rustle and sway, water trickles distantly, and cleverly placed stepping-stone paths entice the visitor to take a thoughtful stroll. Each step through this courtyard garden in mid-town Toronto offers a special visual moment. Although the garden is small?a mere 50 by 50 feet?each element is so perfectly in scale that the space seems at least three times larger. It is a courtyard garden, yes, but in the words of the homeowner, it?s ?a little voluptuous as the plants undulate all around.?

A slatted pergola is visible through a scrim of arching ornamental grasses in this Toronto courtyard garden.