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:

Thank you to our 2024 volunteers!

Our Eco-Sculptures planting sessions for 2024 have wrapped up- many thanks to all the volunteers who joined us for our 20th year of the program! You can look forward to seeing your creations bloom and be displayed all around Burnaby this spring and summer.
To be the first to know when our 2025 planting sessions are open for registration, sign up on our volunteer portal to create an account and be added to our volunteer list.

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].