Eco-sculptures

Creating art from nature

They’re different from topiary–another gardening art–where a single plant is pruned into a shape. Instead, Eco-sculptures start with a metal frame that's packed with soil. Plants are selected for their colours and textures. A design is created and the structure is mapped to show where each type of plant goes. As the they grow, the design fills in, creating a imaginative living sculpture.

See how Burnaby's Eco-sculptures are created.

Beautiful as they are, our Eco-sculptures also serve a purpose. Some sculptures draw attention to the challenges faced by the creatures who share our city, encouraging us to do our part in protecting their environment. Others give a nod to the rich history of our city's cultural past.

Explore Eco-sculptures in Burnaby

Every summer, Eco-sculptures are placed throughout Burnaby from June to the end of September as a unique attraction for residents and tourists alike.

Check out the maps below to build your own Eco-sculpture walking tour.

View interactive story map

View PDF map

Get involved

Burnaby's Eco-sculpture program appeals to all age groups. It's fun, educational and perfect for exploring environmental issues and building a sense of community.

Consider volunteering to create these living sculptures or partner with us by helping fund its ongoing development. Here's how:

Registrations for our 2025 planting sessions are open! Please head to our volunteer portal to sign up. We look forward to seeing the community join us this April, when we will be hosting 8 volunteer sessions to help plant these Burnaby icons. You can contact us by email with any questions about our sessions.

Burnaby's Eco-sculpture program depends on a broad range of partners and corporate funding to sustain the benefits it creates–environmental education and awareness, community engagement and tourism.

Make an online donation

Protecting your privacy through our online donation program

The personal information you provide to CanadaHelps (the registered charity that manages donations to the City of Burnaby's Eco-sculpture program) is collected and used under the authority of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The information is used only for the purpose of processing online donations and providing tax receipts to donors. If you have questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information, please contact [email protected].