Have no fear, spring is here!
One of the greatest parts of living in a four-season climate is the excitement of a new season! As the spring season approaches we can stop wearing our winter coats and enjoy the clear skies. With the snow gone, trees will be green again and spring flowers and plants will bloom!
And luckily, you won’t have to travel far from campus for spring colours. Lo and behold the Humber Arboretum, connected to Humber’s North campus, the arboretum has 250 acres of public gardens and natural areas to explore!
It’s free to visit and you can even participate in a variety of student programs to develop skills in ecology, gardening, and sustainability. Before you head to the Humber Arboretum here are six gardens that you don’t want to miss during your visit!
Humber Food Learning Garden
Located directly behind the Humber North campus residence is the Humber Food Learning Garden. This demonstration garden was created in 2018 and grows multiple fresh ingredients and vegetables that are actually used in Humber’s student-run restaurant, The Humber Room. Most importantly, the garden supports the learning of students from landscaping, horticulture, culinary arts, and early childhood education programs, giving them a hands-on approach to learning.
Native Pollinator Demonstration Garden
The pollinator garden is located outside of the Centre for Urban Ecology (CUE) and it is filled with plants that can provide the necessary care and nutrients for pollinators. Pollinators in this garden consist of butterflies, bees, flies, ants, beetles, moths and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Therefore, many species are being protected!
Here are some of the plants you may see!
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Image via HumberArb
Tranquility Bird Garden
Found at the arboretum’s main entrance is the Tranquility Bird Garden. Did you know that there are around 250 different types of birds in Toronto? Take a walk through the Tranquility Bird Garden to see if you can see some for yourself!
If you can’t make the trip out, don’t worry! Humber Arboretum provides a free guide to building a bird garden in your own backyard!
All-America Selections Display Gardens
Looking for award-winning plants? Look no further than the All-America Selections Display Gardens!
In late spring these plants are showcased at the Humber Arboretum and judged by a committee from the All-America Selections team. Make sure to stop by and see which plants are up for awards!
The Garden of the Rising Moon
Need a great place to take photos? Head to the Garden of the Rising Moon with glimmering ponds and beautiful gazebos, we are sure you can get some great pics for Instagram!
Remember to keep an eye out for turtles!
Cacti Garden
During the winter months, many of the cacti are moved inside a greenhouse, but during the spring they are replanted in the Cacti Garden at the main entrance. Hopefully, the warm weather comes quickly so you can get a glimpse of all these prickly plants!
Have we convinced you yet?! It’s now your turn to check out these amazing gardens located at the Humber Arboretum at Humber College’s North Campus. Make sure to take lots of photos and tag us @shareignite so we can see them too!
Taking public transit to get to the arboretum? Here’s how you can stay safe.
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