FROM the Garden

BEING OF AND FOR THE PEOPLE—A DYNAMIC COMMUNITY HUB

SPRING HAS SPRUNG and summer is in view, and the same is true for the Toronto Botanical Garden which is emerging as a dynamic community hub. The first half of 2023 has provided abundant opportunities for the Garden to be the convener and meeting place for its community. Whether you are a lifelong gardener, plant curious, or here to enjoy a bit of nature in the centre of the city—Toronto Botanical Garden has something for you.

Our TBG team has been focused on what brings each of us to work every day—and over and over again I hear it is about the people, the productive collaborations that take place at the Garden, and the opportunity to learn. But moreover, it is about the community that is uniquely Toronto Botanical Garden. To each of you—our members and supporters—we are grateful that you are part of this sanctuary and vibrant meeting place.

As we step into summer, the TBG extends an open invitation for more people to discover the Garden and join our community. What better way to invite the community in, than by embracing Toronto’s outstanding residential gardeners, as we showcase beautiful private gardens in the Riverdale neighbourhood with the 34th annual Through the Garden Gate tour the weekend of June 10 and 11. And that’s just the beginning. The Farmers Market returns on Thursday evenings from May 11 through October 5. You can visit the market and then stay for some music and meet fellow community members at the Edwards Summer Music Series at 7 p.m. from July 13 through August 31. Don’t miss the return of Bloom: Circus + Dance in the Garden this July and watch for more partnerships with

Toronto artists launching throughout the summer and fall.

Beyond the festive elements of the Garden, we will continue to deliver engaging opportunities for lifelong learning, inviting summer campers to unearth new skills, families to make memories together and adult learners to take their knowledge and appreciation to the next level. Which reminds me, be sure to mark your calendar for the return of the Ravine Symposium on Friday, November 3. Our ravines are a vital source of climate refuge and the lungs of our city, and there is a lot to learn about them. They are incredible places to embrace your inner citizen scientist. In the meantime, check out our upcoming workshops as we partner with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to offer a series of summer and fall programs focusing on climate change resilience and action-oriented initiatives in which you can participate.

With the bounty of summer upon us, there will be many occasions to meet our ever-growing population. I look forward to hearing what brings you to Toronto Botanical Garden and how we can continue to welcome and celebrate our diverse community.

And, I also invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 20, where you can join fellow members in celebrating the success of the past year and learn more about the future we are co-creating.

All the best,

Stephanie Jutila Executive Director