By Dante Thorne

The selection of native plant species around Holy Blossom’s grounds are intended to be a boon for local pollinating insects and a refreshing visual treat for visitors and passersby alike.

By Jill Klaehn, John Ryerson and Sandy Giles Byrne

Fairlawn Avenue United Church located in North Toronto is an Affirming congregation that is committed to social justice.  As part of our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, we were looking for a way to honour our Indigenous People’s sacred relationship with the land. 

It’s 2023 and thanks again to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), Islington United Church received a second grant that enabled us to plant a native shade garden at the church.  (Last year we planted two native sun/shade gardens.)  Our overall goal is to revitalize an under used area to create a peaceful green space that invites our congregation and neighbours to visit for quiet reflective time, or gather in fellowship. It is also our objective to restore wildlife ecology and habitat, including pollinator plants to support bees and butterflies.  The gardens have already provided opportunity for education about the importance of native plants and shifting to this type of gardening.