Learn with the Etobicoke Master Gardeners
Would you like to be a better gardener? Let the Etobicoke Master Gardeners show you how!
The Humber Arboretum is pleased to partner with EMG to offer the Eco-Garden Community Workshop Series throughout the year. These workshops are held on the weekend and are free to attend (please register in advance as space is limited).
2023 Eco-Garden Community Workshops
All workshops are on a Saturday from 10:00 AM to noon (90 minute workshop plus 30 minutes for questions).
Please note that for 2023 some workshops are in person and some are online. In-person workshops take place at the Humber Arboretum; online workshops will take place over Zoom.
Use the quick list below to register, or scroll down for more information on each session.
- "Winterwood": Winter Tree Identification (in-person tour), February 4
- Plant Identification (virtual), February 25
- Growing Your Own Food (virtual), March 4
- Native Plants (virtual), April 15 (Register on Eventbrite)
- Invasive Plants, Control, and Alternatives (virtual), April 29
- First-hand Look at Invasive Plants, Control, and Alternatives (in-person tour), May 6
- Pollinator Friendly Gardening (virtual), June 10
- Pruning (virtual), October 14
- Pruning (in-person workshop), October 21
- Indoor Plants (virtual), November 18
Visit our Events Calendar to see what else is coming up at Humber Arboretum.
"Winterwood": Winter Tree Identification
Saturday February 4, 2023
10:00 a.m. to noon
In person tour at the Humber Arboretum
Join Etobicoke Master Gardeners and the Humber Arboretum for an on-site walking tour of the Humber Arboretum’s Trees. Learn about the native trees at the Arboretum, benefits to the environment and wildlife, how to identify the tree during the winter, and considerations for incorporating them into your garden.
Wear your walking shoes, dress for the weather, and enjoy the gardens.
Plant Identification
Saturday February 25, 2023
10:00 a.m to noon
Online via Zoom
Join Etobicoke Master Gardeners and the Humber Arboretum for a free workshop on Plant Identification. Advance your knowledge of plant identification through plant names and classification. Explore key plant structures and learn how to identify plants by their scientific name, using relevant resources such as botanical keys, identification manuals, and online tools. You will advance your knowledge of plant identification and use in the landscape and learn the basic requirements and cultural practices involved in caring for plants.
Growing Your Own Food
Saturday, March 4, 2023
10:00 a.m. to noon
Online via Zoom
You will learn about conditions in which you can grow your food (such as sun versus shade; wet versus dry), and what to grow where. Other topics include improving soil health, preparing the garden, planting, maintenance, extending the growing season, plus the Good Bugs and Bad Bugs that will visit your food garden.
Native Plants
Saturday April 15, 2023
10:00 a.m to noon
Online via Zoom
Native plants are those plants which occur naturally in an area, having evolved locally alongside each other and with the native wildlife. They are a fundamental part of local ecology, and without them many other species cannot survive. Learn about the many benefits both to gardeners and the environment, and about native plant choices for your garden.
Invasive Plants, Control Measures, and Alternatives
Saturday April 29, 2023
10:00 a.m. to noon
Online via Zoom
Learn the definition of an invasive plant, as well as the ecological problems they cause. Learn how to remove existing invasive plants how to prevent new ones from moving in, and about suitable alternatives such as native plants to support the development of a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
First-hand Look at Invasive Plants, Control Measures, and Alternatives
Saturday May 6, 2023
10:00 a.m. to noon
In-person at the Humber Arboretum
Join Etobicoke Master Gardeners and the Humber Arboretum for an on-site walking tour of the Humber Arboretum with a focus on invasive plants. We will take a first-hand look at invasive plants in various settings, as well as measures to control them and the use of native plants in the landscape.
This is a walking tour, so please dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes.
You are encouraged to attend the prior Virtual Workshop Invasive Plants, Control, and Alternatives on April 29 to supplement your learnings.
Pollinator-Friendly Gardening
Saturday June 10, 2023
10:00 a.m. to noon
Online via Zoom
Learn about some important local pollinators and their importance in our backyard ecology, which plants and other features that can turn your garden into a haven for pollinators, and how to support them in your own yard.
Pruning (Virtual)
Saturday October 14, 2023
10:00 a.m to noon
Online via Zoom
Learn about the importance of pruning, proper pruning techniques, tips on what to prune and when, some of the common tools used for pruning, and how to care for them.
Pruning (In-person)
Saturday October 21, 2023
10:00 a.m to noon
In-person indoor workshop at the Humber Arboretum
We will take a hands-on look at pruning fundamentals, learn about the importance of pruning, proper pruning techniques and some of the common tools and tool care. Specific examples of what plants to prune and when to prune them will be demonstrated. You are encouraged to bring in your favourite secateurs (pruner) , if you want to sharpen them and practice a cut or two!
Indoor Plants
Saturday November 18, 2023
10:00 am to noon
Online via Zoom
Get started with indoor plant gardening! Learn how to create your own indoor garden oasis by selecting indoor plants, learn about benefits of indoor plants, how to care for and grow them successfully, some of the challenges of indoor gardening, and meet some of common and more exotic indoor plants for your home.
To learn more about the Etobicoke Master Gardeners, including how you can become a Master Gardener in Training yourself, visit Etobicokemastergardeners.ca.