You’ve likely driven by the Patterson Garden Arboretum (the Arboretum) in Saskatoon umpteen times without knowing it. It is a lovely hidden gem in our city that is nestled behind a treeline and thick shrubbery at the southeast corner of College Drive and Preston Avenue near the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). In the summer of 2024, the Positive Peace Umbrella Project was born with a dream vision of seeds being planted in Saskatoon; special seeds from the sacred trees that survived the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagaskai, on August 6 and 9 in 1945. There are about 170 sacred trees (from 32 species) that survived the tragic A-bombing, called Hibakujumoku. These sacred trees carry the double message of cautioning about the horrors of nuclear weapons and radioactive waste, while also inspiring us about the enduring power of the human spirit and the resilence of nature.

It was believed that nothing would grow for 70 years on the charred apocalyptic landscapes of these two cities due to the atomic blasts, and radiation that contaminated the soil, air, and water. However, tiny green shoots appeared at the base of the Hibakujumoku, rising up from the black ashes, that grew into a majestic tree kingdom of green dragon phoenixes, crookedly propped up with wooden supports and ropes, anchoring them to the earth, while reaching towards the sky. 

Katy McCormick, a photographer and Ryerson School of Image Arts professor, in Toronto, has been photographing the Hibakujumoku for over a decade and documenting the healing journey and legacy of those affected by the A-bombing catastrophic events, in a multi-part artistic project called The Ash Garden. Her photographs are hauntingly striking, a remarkable visual testament to the survivor spirits of the Hibakujumoku. www.torontomu.ca

In Japan’s Shinto tradition, all trees are honoured as living spirits, and the Hibakujumoku are deeply treasured and revered. As these two cities were rebuilt, wherever the survivor trees were, they built around them. Instead of cutting these sacred trees down, or uprooting them to accommodate modern urban city designs, they remain as silent witnesses, in the middle of staircases built around them, or streets meander, winding around a Hibaku tree at an intersection, rather than a perfect squared off grid. It is a profound example of how respecting and responsibly caring for nature and all living beings, has become the highest good, reminding humankind that we are not separate from nature and for us to shift away from a human-centric perspective. 

We are interconnected to all living beings, we are part of the vast web of life and a constellation-like ecosystem, including animals, plants, microbes, and the elements: air, fire, water, earth. By creating a culture of peace, humankind can make mindful choices to benefit all life forms, to honour balance, mutuality, and reciprocity, with “all our relations,” a teaching that is deeply rooted in indigenous wisdom. Moving away from a human-centric perspective, it’s possible to imagine and build a future for a healthier planet, with greater bio-diversity, and symbiotic relationships, that goes beyond seeing peace as the absence of war and violence.

Finding and engaging a partner for the Seeds of Peace Project proved to be quite challenging, until I noticed street signage for the Arboretum in the winter of 2024, and I googled to learn more about it! In short, from the 1960s to 2000, the Arboretum was a trial site (as part of the Prairie Regional Trials for Woody Ornamentals) that tested the adaptability of various trees, shrubs, and vines, under prairie growing conditions; especially our extremely cold winters and very hot summers. Today, the Arboretum is still a site for ongoing research and experimentation, with new species being added every year, while the original trees continue to grow and mature. The Arboretum is open to the public all year round, from dawn to dusk, with free admission and parking onsite. 

Upon discovering the Arboretum, I intuitively felt this might be a good fit for the Seeds of Peace Project! I reached out to Jacquie Bantle, manager of the Arboretum, about my wish to have Hibakujumoku grown in our province, to spread their important story and powerful message; especially since Saskatchewan is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium. In February 2025, I met with Jacquie and her colleague, arborist Alan Weninger, to discuss this special project, and together, we had an instant connection and spark to make this dream come true! The Arboretum applied to Green Legacy Hiroshima (https://glh.unitar.org/) in Japan for these precious seeds of peace and were formally approved as a partner in the summer of 2025, leading up to the 80th anniversary of Peace Day and Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Arboretum will receive three varieties of seeds: Gingko biloba, Japanese Hackberry, and Oriental Plane. Although these seeds originated from a much warmer climate than Saskatchewan, the Arboretum has been successful in growing warmer zone trees in the past. At the time of the writing of this article, the Arboretum is awaiting the arrival of seeds from the San Diego Botanic Garden (the regional hub for the USA). When the seeds arrive, Alan will begin the delicate germination process and we hope the tiny sprouts will grow into healthy saplings over the next several years. The long-term vision is for the Hibakujumoku to be planted on the U of S campus grounds and cared for as ambassadors of peace, hope, and resilence for many generations to come.

If you wish to support the beautiful work of the Arboretum, the home of the Seeds of Peace Project, go to: https://patterson-arboretum.usask.ca.

For future updates about the broader Positive Peace Umbrella Project, including the Seeds of Peace Project, pls email me at: positivepeaceup@gmail.com. To read the original 3-part serial, begin with the first article at: www.wholife.com.

Nancy Tam is a registered social worker, specializing in holistic wellness with a deep affinity for positive peace advocacy. See the display ad above for a fall tour of the Arboretum on World Peace Day, September 21, 2026. This article is dedicated to the memory of Jacqueline Bantle, who passed away earlier this spring. I’m grateful to have met a dear kindred spirit who shared my heart connection for the Seeds of Peace Project. As quoted in Jacquie’s obituary, “She did in fact plant seeds in not only the soil, but in people’s souls.” – Brooklyn Bedard. I also wish to express my gratitude to Alan, another kindred spirit, for his heartfelt guidance/support and sharing his deep love and caring for trees and all of nature.

www.dignitymemorial.com
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