Located in Victoria’s historic Rockland neighbourhood, Bellewood Park is a residential development shaped by its rare and ecologically significant Garry oak ecosystem. The landscape architecture approach centered on preserving and integrating the site’s mature Garry oaks—some of which are centuries old—into a contemporary residential setting.

Nearly two acres of parkland were carefully designed to support the long-term health of these native trees, which are increasingly rare across their natural range. Site grading, circulation, and planting were all planned to avoid disturbance to existing root zones. Infill planting focused on drought-tolerant native and site-adaptive species that complement the Garry oak meadow ecosystem, while enhancing habitat connectivity and urban biodiversity.

Permeable paving, rain gardens, and layered understory plantings form a suite of nature-based solutions that reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and support a climate-adapted urban forest. The landscape offers residents immersive access to nature while reinforcing ecological resilience and honoring the deep natural heritage of this site.

Through thoughtful design and a light-on-the-land approach, Bellewood Park demonstrates how residential development can work in partnership with native ecosystems—preserving not just trees, but the complex web of life they support.