Five Montreal green alleys to inspire you

by Micheline M. Filion

While most cities’ back alleys are ugly, garbage-strewn places to avoid at all costs, Montreal has been at the forefront of the “green alley” movement. It boasts hundreds of blocks of back alleys that have been transformed into collective spaces that, through the efforts of local residents, have been transformed into a living environment full of greenery.

With so many spread across the city, it can be hard to know which alleys to explore first. This list points you five to get you started. [image credit: Regroupement éco-quartiers/Pierre-Étienne Lessard]

Located in the Maisonneuve district, the Petit village Sicard has a rustic and "system D" feel, with its plant-covered walls made of recovered wood, its colourful murals and its flower beds, some of which are manicured, others left wild.

A park for children, flanked by composting containers, opens onto the alley. At one end, there are large urban agriculture boxes – anything growing in them can be harvested by whoever wants them. A flourishing and tight-knit neighbourhood dynamic reigns here. (La Fontaine / Adam / Aird / Sicard)

Ruelle enchantée is hidden away in the Rosemont neighbourhood. The asphalt has given way to a winding grassy trail that’s reminiscent of a country road: you almost expect to see a cow around every corner; but no, what awaits is a row of welcoming benches, birds, flowerbeds, ferns and hostas, not to mention the baroque collection of garden figurines – squirrels, frogs, birds and of course, the traditional garden gnome.

Be sure to bring your galleons, your sickles and your knuts: there's a sign announcing a magic shop and a school for apprentice sorcerers. (Bélanger / St-Zotique / 25th Avenue / 26th Avenue)

It's hard to make out the elusive entrances to this discreet and modest green alley, which doesn't appear to have a name. Its narrow path, surrounded by planters full of greenery prevents cars from passing through – here, you get around on foot.

There's a picnic table, children's toys and majestic pine trees; a rare sight in Montreal's central neighbourhoods. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an avenue in a campsite on a beautiful summer's afternoon. (Des Carrières / Dandurand / Cartier / Chabot).

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Located in Ville-Marie, L'Échappée belle (the Beautiful Escape) is the longest green alley in Montreal. Here, the emphasis is on the variety of plants: the alley's Facebook page counts more than 200 trees and shrubs and almost as many perennials.

On the fauna side, there are two insect hotels. It all comes together to create a welcoming island in the heart of an often-unloved neighbourhood. (De Rouen / Ontario / Wurtele / Florian)

Return to La Petite-Patrie to discover Le Grand Maronnier (the Big Chestnut Tree), flanked by numerous flower boxes and poles displaying the colours of the rainbow. Arrow-shaped signs point the way to help you find where your friends are.

Most striking are the climbing plants that cover the electric wires, creating a refreshing vaulted ceiling of greenery. (St-Zotique / Beaubien / De Lorimier / Des Érables).

Help is at hand. First, get a few neighbours together and get in touch with your borough's eco-neighbourhood, which will help you to bring your project to life.

Other useful links:

• Free distribution of flowers and plants in spring by Montreal's boroughs
• Statues and garden furniture - in nurseries and several renovation centres (seasonal)
• A few tips for gardening in  limited spaces or in containers