Unveiling the Seeds of Tomorrow: moving sculpture at Dehart Park

A newly completed wood carving at DeHart Park transformed a damaged tree into a living work of art reflecting the City’s commitment for caring for the urban forest and providing beautiful public outdoor spaces that support community connection and recreation.  

Kelowna-based chainsaw carver Kamron Garbe spent four days carving, “Seeds of Tomorrow,” which features a woman holding a fox pup, surrounded by native plants, with a suspended pinecone at its centre that moves in the wind.  

The woman’s protective hold on the young fox reflects the care and responsibility involved in conservation, while the plants wrapping around her body show how closely we are connected to the natural world, not separate from it. The pinecone, set in motion by the wind, represents the ongoing cycle of growth and renewal and the act of planting seeds for tomorrow, reminding us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations.  

“When an 80-year Douglas fir had to be cut to 10 feet due to root instability it presented a fantastic opportunity to preserve the bottom of the tree and create a beautiful work of art from the existing landscape, said Todd Cashin.  “This approach aligns our Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy, which whenever possible and safe prioritizes preservation.”  

Across Kelowna’s parks, fallen and storm-damaged trees have been repurposed into carvings, including the memorial bear at Jack Robertson Park, an owl at Lombardy Park, a heron and kokanee at Sarsons Beach, and now Seeds of Tomorrow at DeHart Park, each giving new life to trees and beautifying public spaces. 

The carving builds on the intent behind DeHart Park, where natural areas are integrated into the overall design rather than treated as separate from it. By repurposing a tree that could no longer remain standing, the piece adds an artistic element to the park while maintaining its connection to the landscape.  

This same approach can be seen throughout the park, with features that support habitat restoration, pollinator-friendly landscaping, water-wise design, and the protection of mature trees and naturalized areas, as well as reduced paved surfaces and the reuse of trees on site for habitat and park features.  

Learn more about DeHart Park’s award-winning sustainable design: www.kelowna.ca/our-community/community-stories/dehart-park-designed-future-mind