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).
2025 Eco-Garden Community Workshops
All workshops take place on Saturdays.
Virtual workshops take place over Zoom and are from 10:00 a.m. to noon (90 minute workshop plus 30 minutes for questions).
In-person workshops are at the Humber Arboretum and run from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m., offering an indoor presentation first followed by an outdoor walk.
Use the quick list below to register as links appear, or scroll down for more information on each session.
- Creating Your Balcony Oasis: Tips and Tricks for Balcony Gardening (Virtual), February 22
- Choose Your Champion: Picking Plants for a Healthy Garden Workshop and Tour (in person), April 12
- Making the Cut: Pruning Workshop and Tour (in person), May 10
- Get Familiar with Flora: Plant Identification Workshop and Tour (in person), June 7
- Exploring Trees and Shrubs: Workshop and Tour (in-person), September 20
- Supporting Biodiversity: The Power of Wetlands and Ravines (in person), October 4 [for City of Toronto Ravine Days]
- Nurturing Indoor Greenery: A Guide to Growing Indoor Plants (virtual), November 15
Visit our Events Calendar to see what else is coming up at Humber Arboretum.
Creating Your Balcony Oasis: Tips and Tricks for Balcony Gardening
Saturday February 22, 2025
10:00 a.m. to noon
Online via Zoom
A balcony garden is a beautiful and delightful spot to create a small oasis of nature. With a selection of plants, pots, and a dash of creativity, transform your balcony into a vibrant garden. Discover which plants thrive in this environment, think vertically to maximize space, and use your rails for a hanging garden. Learn about container gardening, including suitable plants, design concepts, and the essentials for success. And remember to check your building guidelines before you start.
Choose Your Champion: Picking Plants for a Healthy Garden
Saturday April 12, 2024
10:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
In person: Indoor presentation followed by outdoor tour
Learn about "native plants," their attractions and benefits and the challenging “invasive” plants - who they are and what you can do to remove them and replace them in your garden with alternative native plants.
Wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather to take the learning outside after the presentation enjoy the gardens.
Making the Cut: Pruning
Saturday, May 10, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In person: Indoor presentation followed by outdoor tour
You’ll learn about the importance of pruning, proper pruning techniques, get tips on how, when and what to prune, talk about some of the common tools used for pruning, and find out how to care for them.
Wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather to take the learning outside after the presentation enjoy the gardens.
Get Familiar with Flora: Plant Identification
Saturday June 7, 2025
10:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
In person: Indoor presentation followed by outdoor tour
Advance your knowledge of plant identification through plant names and classification. Delve into essential plant structures and learn to identify plants by their scientific names using resources such as botanical keys, identification manuals, and online tools. You’ll deepen your understanding of plant identification and its applications in landscaping while also learning the fundamental requirements and cultural practices for plant care.
Wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather to take the learning outside after the presentation enjoy the gardens.
Exploring Trees and Shrubs
Saturday September 20, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In person: Indoor presentation followed by outdoor tour
Learn about native trees & shrubs at the Arboretum, their benefits to the environment and wildlife, how to identify various trees and shrubs, and considerations for incorporating them into your garden.
Wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather to take the learning outside after the presentation enjoy the gardens.
Supporting Biodiversity: The Power of Wetlands and Ravines
Saturday October 4, 2025
For City of Toronto Ravine Days
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In person: Indoor presentation followed by outdoor tour
Wetlands and ravines, no matter their size, classification, or condition, offer significant environmental benefits to both humans and wildlife. Discover their crucial role in our ecosystem, such as supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, aiding groundwater recharge, and providing flood control. Learn how individuals can contribute to the preservation of wetlands and ravines.
Then, join a tour of the Humber Arboretum's 'Pond Project'. Remember to wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Nurturing Indoor Greenery: A Guide to Growing Indoor Plants
Saturday November 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. to noon
Online via Zoom
Learn how to create your own indoor garden oasis by selecting indoor plants, learn about benefits of indoor plants, how to care and grow them successfully and some of the challenges of indoor gardening. Explore a variety of plants, from common favorites to unique and trending options, including succulents, tropical indoor plants, and more.
To learn more about the Etobicoke Master Gardeners, including how you can become a Master Gardener in Training yourself, visit Etobicokemastergardeners.ca.