COME WITH US ON OUR WALK THROUGH THE HUMBER ARBORETUM

As the season changes from bright colours of autumn to snow-white winter, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty that surrounds us. During our walk with Lynn Short, our Humber Press team found much inspiration in the peace and beauty found in nature. In these pages, we invite you to come with us on our walk and get to know a little more about the Humber Arboretum.

Purple Loosestrife

Did you know that purple loosestrife is not a native plant? Loosestrife used to take over wetlands; however, after much research, it was restored to balance after the introduction of loosestrife beetle larvae and adults which feed exclusively on the purple loosestrife.

Purple Loosestrife

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

Goldenrod

Myth: Many people think they have allergies to goldenrod; however, goldenrods are not the culprits as they are pollinated by insects. The more likely allergen is ragweed which relies on wind for pollination.

Goldenrod

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

Medicine/Teaching Garden

Humber Arboretum Medicine/Teaching Garden is used for Indigenous education. Based on the Four Directions teaching, the garden was created as part of an Introduction to Horticulture program for Indigenous students. The upper structure has seven slats across each of the four directions representing the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Medicine/Teaching Garden

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

Canada Thistle

Canada Thistle is an invasive plant species that has purple flowers and spiny, glossy leaves. Canada Thistle crowds out native plants and reduces the quality of rangelands. Despite its name, it is not a native plant!

Canada Thistle

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

Elderberry

Elderberry is an ornamental and a fruit plant, with beautiful flowers and fruits. Elderberry fruits normally mature between mid-August and midSeptember. The berries are excellent food for wildlife!

Elderberry

Photo by Felipe Narcizo

Dog Strangling Vine

Dog Strangling Vine is an invasive plant in Ontario that can grow up to two metres high. It crowds out native plants and can “strangle” small animals that enter its dense stands.

Dog Strangling Vine

Photo by Ashour Rehana

HUMBER ARBORETUM BY THE NUMBERS

Flowering annuals planted in a year: 20,000

Bird species identified at the arboretum: 150

Bike trails: 13

Multipurpose fields: 2

Cricket pitch field: 1

Pond: 1