Blogs

Native shrubs are a wonderful addition to your backyard, especially if you have limited planting space, want some added privacy, or are looking to promote greater biodiversity in your yard. Plus, they provide many of the same benefits for backyard birds as trees do!

Trees and shrubs provide us with many amazing benefits, such as privacy, food and habitat for wildlife and increased property value. But did you know that a strategically planted tree or shrub can also help you conserve energy, reduce your heating and cooling costs and fight climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon?

A passionate gardener and bird feeder from Georgina, Lynn Slaney is working to create a landscape that can be enjoyed by her and her family, as well as local wildlife. From oak and elm to cedar and chokeberry, this Urban Forest Champion has planted all sorts of native trees, shrubs and perennials that provide important food and shelter for local birds, bunnies and more!

This year, we are working with Toronto Community Housing (TCH) tenants to green their communities with almost 100 trees and over 200 shrubs. Meet one of the TCH tenants we have been lucky to work with: Annisha Stewart. Annisha is on a mission to green her community! She’s participated in multiple LEAF programs over the past two years, including the Tree Tenders training course this spring. Our TCH Stewardship Assistant, Nuradin, had the opportunity to interview Annisha about her experience with LEAF and the work she does for her community.