While we know that certain species have no problem navigating restrictive city spaces, others benefit from a helping hand. Two years ago, staff and volunteers at LEAF crafted a plan to renaturalize barren city spaces through the creation of five Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens (UFDGs). Situated on previously underutilized land at Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) stations, these gardens display examples of native trees and shrubs that beautify our urban spaces while contributing to the city’s tree canopy.
These spaces can go unnoticed as we rush by in the hustle and bustle of city life. After all, Toronto subway stations seem an unlikely place to discover nature! But I recommend making a pit stop on your next trip and visiting a UFDG. Take a minute to discover the gardens, appreciate the nature in front of you and just breathe.
When you visit a garden, try to imagine what this space may have looked like before our volunteers transformed it. Bathurst Station’s UFDG (at the Markham Street entrance) was nothing more than a patch of brown grass. Now you can wander along the side of this station where a shady private oasis awaits you!
Right in busy core of Toronto lies Spadina Station’s UFDG (at the Walmer Road entrance). Like the Bathurst garden, this space was nothing more than a bit of dried up grass and dirt at first. With a little help from LEAF staff, volunteers and Mother Nature, it has been transformed into a thriving native garden – even though it is faced with some of the harshest urban conditions. LEAF volunteers dedicate their time to care for the garden, ensuring it is kept free from weeds and garbage and is watered and mulched regularly.
From concrete jungle to thriving garden, the UFDG at St Clair Station (at the Pleasant Boulevard entrance) may be our greatest example of how native species can flourish if given the chance. The trees and shrubs in this space are just itching to spread their roots. Natives trees and shrubs have adapted to soil, water and weather conditions in our area - sometimes a bit too well! LEAF staff and volunteers keep a close eye on this garden to ensure it does not become overgrown or allow one species to multiply over others.
LEAF also tends to UFDGs at Old Mill and High Park stations – and both are worthy of a visit. Each of the gardens challenges our assumptions about where nature can be found and proves that biodiversity can be nurtured in all kinds of spaces. Remember, Mother Nature is always looking for opportunities – she may just need your assistance!
Want to be part of our UFDG stewardship teams for 2014? Sign up as a LEAF volunteer and attend one of our upcoming orientation sessions to find out how you can get involved with these gardens!
Our Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens are supported by Ontario Power Generation's Biodiversity Program, Ontario Trillium Foundation and the TTC.