Trellis Magazine - Winter 2022/23

Bringing the year full circle and celebrating its success

Over the past few weeks, recollections of being introduced to the Toronto Botanical Garden have washed over me. As in most matchmakings, the process was a steady set of conversations over several months. And with each conversation my interest in the TBG increased, and so did my commitment to help the Garden achieve its dreams and embrace the next chapter of growth. By the time I learned I was the finalist, and had a job offer, I was all-in—ready to listen deeply, dream boldly, lead diligently and build strategically.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director in January 2022, I was embarking in an interesting time and way to start a new job. Following 23 months of lock down in Ontario with a lot of unknowns for what our next normal would look like, I was determined to bring new energy and confidence to define the path forward. And here we are, at the end of the calendar year, having achieved so much. The Visitor Centre reopened, the Education Programs returned in-person, the Spring Plant Sale and Edwards Summer Music Series re-emerged, the Garden received deep pruning and the addition of new pollinator-friendly plants in the Perennial Borders and so much more. Our volunteers returned, our staff grew (in number and capacity) and you—our loyal supporters—continued to show up to the place that you love so deeply. It has been a great joy for the TBG team to relaunch so much of what had been paused, create new opportunities and welcome you back.

Winter Activities While the gardening season has wound down, we have lots to keep you engaged through the colder months. November 25 to 27 the Holiday Market will

return, bringing a great reason to spend time at the Garden, supporting the organization through your holiday gift buying and being together in community. I look forward to seeing you there, connecting and celebrating this festive season.

New in 2022, we launched the TBG Author Series, featuring local authors. (See more on page 45.) We have two upcoming talks including Reimagining Toronto’s Ravines with Alissa North on November 16 and Mushrooming, The Joy of the Quiet Hunt – An Illustrated Guide to the Fascinating, the Delicious, the Deadly and the Strange with Diane Borsato on December 1.

With the turn of the calendar, we will launch a new Winter Music Series, bringing the spirit of the Edwards Summer Music Series into the building—a great reason to visit from February to April. The 2023 season will feature Tafelmusik, a Toronto-based orchestra and choir that brings new energy to baroque music and beyond, using period instruments.

And, I am pleased to report that after emerging through the pandemic with a slim Education team, we are rebuilding the team and preparing for a great winter lineup. Watch your email for more details, as the Winter calendar is released.

We Need Your Support For all these reasons and more, Toronto Botanical Garden is close to wrapping the end of 2022 stronger than we began. And, there is a very important way that you can help the Garden truly emerge stronger, by joining your fellow garden lovers in supporting the 2022 Hearts and Flowers Campaign. (Read more about the Hearts and Flowers Campaign on page 5.)

A year ago, my family made our first gift to the Hearts and Flowers Campaign, knowing that we were ready to embrace Toronto Botanical Garden and this great community. This month we have renewed our support of the Garden’s annual fund by increasing our gift by 15 per cent, a sign of our own belief that Toronto Botanical Garden is an important place and that the Garden will be a good steward of our gift.

I invite you to join my family in renewing your support to the Garden this holiday season by making a gift to the Hearts and Flowers Campaign. As you contemplate your commitment to this year’s campaign, consider increasing your donation, knowing that the Toronto Botanical Garden matters, and so does your support. If you are a first-time giver, welcome. We appreciate your gift.

With so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to, I especially look ahead to another year of growth for the Toronto Botanical Garden.

Be well,

Stephanie Jutila, Executive Director