Flowers, plants, and growing gems. If those are some of your favourite things, there is a plant sale in Toronto this month that you’ll want to add to your calendar.
On May 23 and 24, the Toronto Botanical Garden will host its annual Spring Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden promises to come alive with “one of the most anticipated events of the season.”
If you are a member, you can look forward to early access during the TBG Members Plant Sale Preview on May 22 from 1 to 7 p.m. And if you want to join in, you can become a Toronto Botanical Garden member online.
What to expect at the Spring Plant Sale
The sale is offering free admission to plant lovers, and there will be a curated selection for Toronto’s growing conditions that are garden-tested and pollinator friendly.
Visitors can expect native plants that support local biodiversity, along with hard-to-find varieties, and annuals and perennials.
This year, the Toronto Botanical Garden will have vendors from multi-generational, family-run specialty plant nurseries, including Crystal Star Nursery and Mason House Gardens.
Aside from the plants themselves, 1 in a Millean Pottery & Glass Art will be among the specialty vendors, where you can discover its original, botanically-inspired items.
If you plan to swing by the sale, organizers recommend bringing bins, old plant trays, or cardboard trays to collect and transport your plants. There is also a limited supply of wagons and carts, so you are welcome to bring your own should you require it.
“Seed Library” connections
According to organizers, the Spring Plant Sale will be a connecting experience through ways like the community Seed Library. If you are looking to try something new, you can borrow from this library to experiment with new varieties. This is also the chance to partake in seed saving traditions, and engage with fellow gardeners.
As another form of connection, volunteers from the Toronto Master Gardeners will be on-site to give free advice, from soil prep, to pest issues, and small-space gardening tips. “It’s like having a garden coach by your side,” states the Toronto Botanical Garden.
“It’s more than a plant sale. It’s where the community comes to share the benefits of connecting with nature and one another.”
The sale can be found at 777 Lawrence Ave. E., North York.
More things to do that weekend
If you are looking to attend another annual event that weekend, Doors Open Toronto is returning on May 23 and 24. This local tradition invites the public to explore the city’s landmarks and buildings for free. There are dozens of notable sites, especially Osgoode Hall, the CN Tower, and the Historic Don Jail.
Neighbourhood tours will also be offered throughout Doors Open, such as “Guild Park: The World in a City Park.” You can register to attend for free online. A full list of Doors Open neighbourhood tours can be found on the city’s website.