The Grid Plan

We contacted Bees for Peace Toronto, at the U of T science program and gained more insight into the Toronto Bee Path and other city gardens. From there we were directed to Donna Lang at Faith and the Common Good. We were so happy that there was room for us in her wonderful garden program for 2024. We were able to join 4 other church pollinator garden groups in receiving the grant which gave us 2 skids each of soil and mulch and $500 for native plants! A bonanza!! Thank you to TD FEF and Scotts Canada for their generous donations and vison in sponsoring this environmental program.

There was lots of learning to do for the interested garden members. We watched the video Garden for Wildlife with Douglas Tallamy and followed the new Beginner’s Guide -How to Create a Pollinator Garden from the North American Native Plant Society. We studied the City of Toronto requirements and were able to watch their webinar sessions this spring.

The soil and mulch arrived!

Volunteer Alan McDonald adding soil.

In the mean-time Mary crafted our grant request for Donna, and the church wardens were advised of this project. Since the church had undergone recent renovations which left a stony patch this was a perfect opportunity to set up a new garden. Our property committee was able to remove some of renovation debris and we weeded and mulched to solarize the space.

Donna visited our site and provided directions on using the space, where to plant and tweaked our plant choices. The plant selection was done by Fran and Stephanie. Then we had the winter wait with encouraging updates from Donna.

The rest of our story is in the photos as our group worked according to their times and skills. The members are Christopher A, Fran B, Marina C, Daive G, Doug G, Mary M, Alan M, Kathleen, Vaughn M, Jane R, Stephanie W.

Volunteers Kathleen and Alan, and the church sexton Daiv, planting in.

Volunteer Jane Rajantie watering the garden.

It was exciting to see the plants in the ground! The rain has helped with the watering and the first flower came out in June. During this time the daycare watched with interest and anticipation. How could flowers come from all that dirt! We plan to support their interest in the plant, bee, insect connection with talks and closer contact. Our own Sunday school described it as an amazing place! Thank you to all who made this happen!!

Bee Balm flowing!

Our fearless leader, Fran Brown!