Magical, Marvelous and Majestic: Why Torontonians are gearing up for the new garden season and a great year of garden touring

Spectacular beauty to be displayed as Toronto's best gardens open their gates

TORONTO, March 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Rows of roses, prideful peonies and dancing dahlias, Toronto gardeners and nature-lovers have much to dream about as Canada Blooms marks the start of garden season with inspiring displays that whet our appetites for more.    

"Gardening is North America's #1 recreational activity, and garden tourism is becoming increasingly popular as city-dwellers look for more ways to connect with nature," says Harry Jongerden, executive director, Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG). "A great example is the thousands of people who visit the Direct Energy Centre every March to take in the displays at Canada Blooms. Here in Toronto it's just the beginning of what garden lovers can experience in 2017, thanks to the events and tours organized by TBG."

Many of Toronto's most beautiful garden spaces are found in the privately-owned spaces of gardeners and garden-lovers who devote much effort to creating the natural beauty and quiet repose that we crave.

For many years the crown jewel of garden touring season has been Through the Garden Gate, one of Canada's largest private garden tours when generous home and garden owners and Master Gardeners open their doors - or rather, garden gates – to the delight of other garden lovers. This year the event is highly anticipated as over 30 homes in the North Rosedale & Moore Park area are participating in the event's 30^th Anniversary.

"Experiencing the impressive gardens that surround some of Toronto's most beautiful homes is something that inspires our guests as they envision their own spaces at home," continued Jongerden. "This is a truly special year as we celebrate Canada's 150^th birthday and Canada's national "Garden Days" program by offering the largest number of private gardens ever at Through the Garden Gate."

Through the Garden Gate takes place on June 10 & 11, with tickets available at TBG, online or, day of, at tour headquarters in Chorley Park.  

Participating in this annual event isn't the only way to explore great gardens this year. Garden expert, horticultural writer and lecturer, Frank Kershaw, has curated several unique garden tours for TBG's garden enthusiasts to enjoy.

• Great Gardens in Our Own Backyard features a selection of some of Frank's favourite gardens in Toronto. From ravine-edge gardens to award-winning estate gardens, awe and wonder is something that all the stops on this day-long adventure have in common.
  
  
• Stouffville, Claremont and Uxbridge Area Gardens features some of this area's great private gardens and artist studios with amazing landscaping. This tour features cottage gardens as well as sprawling gardens with acres to explore.

For Torontonians looking for an introduction to gardening and horticulture or who just want to spend some time outdoors for an afternoon, the Toronto Botanical Garden offers free 90-minute summer garden tours starting in late May through to September. These informative and engaging tours are designed for people to gain a greater understanding of plants, natural landscapes, garden design and the history of the featured gardens.  Tours are offered on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.

About the Toronto Botanical Garden

The Toronto Botanical Garden connects people to plants, inspiring them to live in harmony with nature. The Garden offers a complete range of year-round, innovative, indoor and outdoor learning experiences for all ages, including programs, courses, classes, lectures, concerts, farmers' market, garden tours, nature day camps and so much more. Our LEED Silver-Certified Building, with its energy-efficient sloping green roof, houses Canada's largest private horticultural library, unique rental facilities and Garden Shop.  Visit our website: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

SOURCE Toronto Botanical Garden

Media Inquiries: Jenny Rhodenizer, Director of Marketing & Communication, T. 416-819-2191, E. [email protected]