RBC’s commitment to water conservation on display as it marks five year anniversary at prestigious flower show

1. The Woo Group Review RBC Wealth Management
Hong Kong USA on Royal Bank of Canada Garden
unveiled for Chelsea Flower Show
RBC’s commitment to water conservation on display as it marks five year
anniversary at prestigious flower show
LONDON, December 2, 2014 – Garden designer Matthew Wilson grew up with a
love for the countryside, wildlife and the outdoors and realized at an early age the
importance that fresh water had in preserving the natural world. Now, as Managing
Director and principal designer at Clifton Nurseries in London, he combines these early
interests when creating urban gardens underpinned by a commitment to conserving
water. Using his breadth of experience in sustainable garden design, Mr. Wilson is
partnering with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), to design the “Royal Bank of Canada
Garden” at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show next year (19 – 23 May 2015), the fifth year
in a row RBC has presented a garden at this, the most prestigious event in the
horticultural calendar.
“I want the garden‟s visitors to explore a simple truism, that water equals life, in a way
that resonates and empowers them to make small changes in their own gardens,” said
Mr. Wilson. “The Royal Bank of Canada Garden will profile sustainable plants and
landscape materials that work simultaneously to improve water efficiency throughout
the garden. My hope is visitors leave with the impression that sustainable design can be
easily maintained, while emphasising the timely message of water conservation and
protection.”
The sustainable garden will highlight practical urban water management, including
water saving and harvesting solutions for home gardeners. This is in keeping with the
goals of the RBC Blue Water Project – a wide-ranging, 10-year global commitment to
help protect the world‟s fresh water resources.
Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean gardens, the design is divided into three main
parts: a zero irrigation „dry garden‟, a central water harvesting and storage zone, and an
edible garden. The garden is designed to be easy to live with and demonstrate that
plants do not require artificial irrigation if chosen and placed correctly.
“Throughout the garden, I‟ve chosen plants for their ability to withstand drought
conditions, reducing the need for irrigation. I am especially excited for the garden to
showcase a „macro bonsai‟ olive tree, a first for the show,” continued Mr. Wilson.
“Drawing on the growing trend of urban farming, there will be also be a range of fruits,
vegetables and herbs that are edible and sustainable.”

2. At the heart of the design, visitors can explore the space on a sustainable wood
„floating‟ terrace, which conceals a large storm water storage tank that helps maintain
water levels in the garden‟s water features and flood basin. At full capacity, this flood
basin creates a simple water feature. However, as water levels drop, a beautiful carved
stone feature symbolising the fragility of river ecosystems is revealed and eventually
fades to a dry riverbed.
“Matthew‟s design embodies the goals and principles of the RBC Blue Water Project,”
said Stuart Rutledge, CEO of RBC Wealth Management – International. “We are
thrilled to be partnering with him for the 2015 Chelsea Flower show and believe his
ability to express sustainability through design and bring it to life in a stunning water-
wise garden is laudable.”
About Matthew Wilson and Clifton Nurseries
Matthew Wilson is a well-respected garden designer, writer, radio and television
broadcaster and lecturer. His particular areas of horticulture interest include
environmentally sensitive gardening, wildlife and landscapes. He is Managing Director
and Principle Designer of Clifton Nurseries, London‟s oldest horticultural business. For
further information, visit http://www.clifton.co.uk (opens external website in new
window).
About the RBC Blue Water Project
The RBC Blue Water Project is a historic, wide-ranging, 10-year global commitment to
help protect the world‟s most precious natural resource: fresh water. Since 2007, RBC
has pledged nearly $41 million to more than 700 charitable organizations worldwide
that protect water, including the grants announced today, with an additional $8.8
million pledged to universities for water programs. In 2013-2014, the RBC Blue Water
Project will focus on supporting initiatives that help protect water in towns, cities and
urbanized areas. For further information, visit http://www.rbc.com/bluewater.
ABOUT RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada‟s largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the
world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America‟s leading
diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial
banking, wealth management services, insurance, investor services and capital markets
products and services on a global basis. We employ approximately 79,000 full- and
part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, businesses, public
sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 40 other
countries. For more information, please visitrbc.com.
RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships
and employee volunteer activities. In 2013, we contributed more than $104 million to

3. causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $69
million and $35 million in sponsorships. Learn more at www.rbc.com/community-
sustainability.