The Leaflet – February 2022

Dear Friend,

Small slivers of spring are starting to emerge at Allan Gardens and we couldn’t be more delighted. As of January 31st, the conservatory is once again open, though at 50% capacity, and we are thrilled to welcome visitors between 10am-4pm, daily. Please remember that COVID protocols are in place, so wearing masks and physical distancing remain important to keep each other safe. The conservatory entrance continues to be located at the west side of the conservatory, off the parking lot.

Starting in early March, a variety of spring-flowering bulbs will be on display in the cool Temperate House. Each week, the city horticulturalists will be adding new bulbs – giving you more of a reason to visit often. Come and delight in the earliest sights and smells of spring!

Construction has also been moving along and the new Administration and Washroom building is slated to be completed in March with the washrooms open to the public sometime in April. We know that these new amenities will improve the experience of the park for everyone. The City is also continuing to move ahead with the Palm House Restoration in an effort to bring the historic dome back into a state of good repair. Construction is expected to start in May and continue for approximately 16 months. We will work to keep you up to date on the progress, but you can learn more about the project here.

We have actively started work on Growing with the City, an update to our 2016 Refresh study that will help us prioritize our stewardship efforts in serving Allan Gardens and the many communities that cherish the park. We have completed a study with The Planning Partnership, which will serve to underpin efforts moving forward, and we look forward to sharing more about all of this with you, shortly!

Read on to learn more about what’s going on in the park. There’s an Indigenous Artist in Residence Program, a new Tree Tour project, funded by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and all kinds of news about donors, volunteers, and what’s blooming at Allan Gardens. Oh, and there’s a charming blast from the past, a series of suggestions from the Suggestions Box back in 1963; we hope you enjoy it.

As always, thank you for your continued support, and we’ll see you in the gardens!

Be well,

Board of Directors
Friends of Allan Gardens

To view the full February 2022 issue, click here!