3 minute read
What brings you to the garden?
The Toronto Botanical Garden has been getting curious about what brings people to the Garden, whether for a first time visit or repeat visits. While our team of staff and volunteers works hard every day to make the Garden a desirable destination, it is important that we pause and take the time to discover what draws our diverse community to the Garden and adjacent natural places. Through the generosity of a donor we have recently been able to engage our members, digital community and general visitors on what TBG means to them and why they visit TBG.
Hands down, respondents, both our highly engaged members and our general visitors, tell us that:
"TBG helps them feel connected to nature"
"TBG and the surrounding natural spaces are an essential part of Toronto for them"
"Spaces like TBG contribute to a more sustainable world"
"We feel safe and welcomed at TBG"
These responses from people that we know and we are looking forward to meeting continue to guide TBG to our north star of being a garden for all, a diverse community that recognizes the life-giving role of nature, working together for a more sustainable world.
While we have more work to do in many directions to achieve our vision, it is affirming to know that we are on the path to achieve it, and that you, our community of garden champions, are helping us reach this vision. Read more about the range of accessible programs we offer our diverse audience as we embrace National AccessAbility Week May 26 to June 1.
Knowing that our community is seeking connections to nature and contributing to a more sustainable world, we are excited to share this issue of Trellis with you. In particular, take time to read about the 2023 Urban Ravine Symposium on page 6, with highlights from our three speakers on how we can continue to embrace, steward and engage our diverse community in Toronto’s Ravine System. And learn about an option to be more sustainable through catering and takeout meals with Inwit, the caterer for our 2023 Symposium on page 10.
Be inspired by one of my favourite plants, hellebores, on page 11. Learn why you will want to make a point to explore some of our nearby natural areas including Mount Pleasant Cemetery and some of Ontario’s Labyrinths. And get a sneak peek at our much anticipated 2024 Through the Garden Gate tour in the Swansea neighborhood June 8 & 9.
See you in the Garden soon!
Stephanie Jutila Executive Director
