“2021 WAS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL YEARS EVER IN HORTICULTURE WITH PEOPLE THRONGING TO PUBLIC GARDENS. WE NEED TO CULTIVATE THAT.”
UNLOCKING THE PUZZLE
STEPHANIE JUTILA LOVES A GOOD PUZZLE. THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN COMPARES MANAGING ALL ASPECTS OF RUNNING AN EXPANDING BOTANICAL GARDEN TO PUTTING THE PIECES OF A JIGSAW PUZZLE INTO THE RIGHT PLACES. make it whole. Everyone has to work together for the future and be part of the whole.” Jutila comes to Toronto at an exciting time when the Garden with City of Toronto support is poised to expand from four to 35 acres. Her work background—connecting communities with nature and building sustainable non-profits— and education will stand her in good stead for
Relationships, teamwork and inclusiveness are her keys to successfully unlocking the puzzle. “This is a very delicate time,” she says. “A time to take care and nurture. And to see the future through different viewpoints. There is not one of us who can see the whole picture. We can, however, paint it together. We need each others’ voices, inspiration and talents to TORONTOBOTANICALGARDEN.CA
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SPRING 2022
PHOTOS: JANET DAVIS (PORTRAIT), SASAN BENI (SARGENT’S CHERRY BLOSSOMS)
Meet Stephanie Jutila, the TBG’s new Executive Director By Lorraine Hunter
