eastern tiger swallowtail
September 23, 2020
Visitor (not verified)
Though soft-stemmed flowering plants are common in pollinator gardens, trees and shrubs are just as important! Not only do many caterpillars depend (in part or completely) on the leaves of these plants for food, but the thousands of flowers they produce also feed butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Here are seven trees and shrubs you can plant this fall to create a pollinator-friendly garden.
September 09, 2020
Brian Millward
What is the most valuable part of being a volunteer Garden Steward? We posed this question to the dedicated volunteers that care for our Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens located outside of five TTC subway stations. For 10 years these green spaces have added a little bit of nature to the lives of local residents and commuters. None of this would have been possible without this passionate community of volunteers steadily working behind the scenes!
Woman wearing a face masks holds up two maple leaves
September 04, 2020
Lam Tran
Tags: Tree Tour
In recent months, online events have become the rule, rather than the exception. COVID-19 brought unimaginable changes to the way we all connect with each other and, to adapt, LEAF went virtual. In my journey to re-imagine how the in-person Wychwood Barns Park tree tour could be done online, new and exciting ways of engaging with people emerged.
St Clair Garden with a painted Bell Box and a sign for the TTC
September 02, 2020
Brian Millward
Tags:
Our St. Clair Urban Forest Demonstration Garden received a major glow-up as the nearby Bell Box had a mural installed highlighting native plant species and pollinators. Just like our garden, the new mural demonstrates how humans and nature can coexist. Thanks to the support of Councilor Josh Matlow, the Bell Box Murals Project and the talents of Nick Sweetman, our garden is looking more beautiful than ever!
Sketch of underground roots stretching out from mature tree
August 26, 2020
Jess Wilkin
Tags:
Tree care tips and tricks that spread by word-of-mouth are often accepted as common knowledge over time. However, as theories and tree care practices evolve, new knowledge is not so quick to spread among the general public. As a result, many of today’s common tree misconceptions actually stem from out-dated practices or theories. Because these misconceptions can do more harm than good, it’s important to get to the bottom of the truth.
Red oak in the middle of parkette
August 20, 2020
Visitor (not verified)
Toronto’s great red oak has been a landmark and inspiration for over two centuries. The creation of a parkette will provide a simple and powerful view of this magnificent tree.
Naturalized front yard
August 10, 2020
Visitor (not verified)
Tags:
An increase in suburban development has led to the extensive clearing of native vegetation, resulting in a loss of habitat for wildlife living in those areas. The good news is that you can help shift this pattern! If you own a property, you have the chance to create a sanctuary for wildlife in an increasingly urbanized landscape by helping to grow a more diverse and sustainable urban forest. So, when thinking about designing your garden, keep biodiversity at the forefront of your mind with these three tips.
Lillian Natalizio
July 27, 2020
Brian Millward
Tags: Volunteers
Our Stewardship Coordinator, Brian Millward, had the pleasure of speaking with Lillian Natalizio about her experience with LEAF and her passion for the urban forest. From stewardship in our demonstration gardens to participating in community tree planting events, Lillian has participated in almost every volunteer program we offer since she joined our community in 2015! In total, she has donated over 350 hours of her time to protecting and enhancing the urban forest.
July 17, 2020
Daniela Serodio
LEAF offers over 50 native trees and shrubs through our Backyard Tree Planting Program. Clearly, we love native species! But, is there one among them all that our staff likes best? I interviewed our Residential Planting Programs staff on what makes their favourite tree so great.
Ironwood fall leaves, fruit, catkins and bark
July 15, 2020
Brenna Anstett
The ironwood is a tree with so many wonderful features, but its ability to blend in with its surroundings is uncanny. As a natural, smaller-growing understory tree that prefers a bit of shade, the ironwood keeps a low-profile amongst its forest friends.

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