The Junction Butterfly Gardens
Welcome to The Junction Butterfly Gardens, where nature comes to life!
The Junction Butterfly Gardens are back this year with vibrant florals spread across Dundas St W. Our Pollinator Pathway highlights the Butterfly Gardens and educates passersby with 22 signs, each featuring a unique pollinator fact.
Our expert landscapers, Parkdale Green Thumb Enterprises, maintain our stunning gardens to create a sanctuary for our beloved butterflies. Last fall, we prepared our gardens for the winter season by cutting back perennials and planting harvested seeds back into the garden, creating a diverse seed bank of native Ontario plants. We regularly assess the health of our plants and replenish them with more native plants, ensuring our garden remains vibrant and lush year after year. Additionally, we add fresh mulch each fall to nourish and healthy our soil.
Toronto is home to more than 360 species of bees and over 100 species of butterflies. Pollinators play an integral role in contributing to urban biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems and are a crucial component of a sustainable city. The Junction Butterfly Gardens increase the vital space for these beautiful and threatened creatures. Visitors who slow down, observe and return frequently can watch butterflies progress through their lifecycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly.
Visit The Junction Butterfly Gardens and experience the wonder of nature in all its glory!
Join our partner, Parkdale Green Thumb Enterprises, on a FREE guided walking tour of The Junction Butterfly Gardens and discover the wonders of pollinator gardening! Led by our team of wild gardening enthusiasts and perinatal experts, the tour will be an immersive experience into the world of butterflies and their role in our ecosystem.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the different types of plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators and the importance of creating sustainable habitats for these essential creatures.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or love the beauty of nature, this tour is a great way to connect with your community and learn more about the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem. So join us, and let’s discover the wonders of the Junction Butterfly Gardens together!
Guided tour date:
- – Sunday, August 11 at 10:30 a.m. to noon
- – Tours will begin at the Bank of Montreal, 2859 Dundas St W. (southwest corner of Dundas/Keele St).
- – Sign up here: bit.ly/3Lcbz4i
The Perennial Planters Pilot Project
NEW this year, we have installed 8 self-watering planter boxes along the east side of Heintzman St, in front of the Evangeline Residence. These planters feature two collections of native perennials.
– Meadow Mix: Includes four perennial plants thriving in full sun conditions.
- – Woodland Understory Mix: This consists of four perennial plants well-suited for mixed light conditions.
We aim to determine which mix suits our planters and the Junction’s light conditions better. We aim to eventually fill all our tree guard planters with native perennials to save money, reduce plant waste, and support local pollinators. Installed in June 2023, this pilot project is now entering its second year to test the long-term viability of these perennials.
Parkdale Green Thumb Enterprises (PGTE) is an award-winning Eco-Landscaping social enterprise operated by Working for Change. It is a local social enterprise that employs residents who have experienced barriers to employment due to mental health, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, gender based violence and newcomer/refugee status. PGTE offers various commercial clients climate change-responsive plant maintenance, landscaping, and streetscaping services.
Want to be our 2024 Presenting Sponsor?
See slide 35 for program details and benefits.
