We’ve searched the world to bring you the best of the best — in experts, in advice and, most importantly, in inspiration. These speakers will encourage you to try new plants, to use new gardening methodologies and to consider the broader reach that horticulture has in our neighbourhoods, city and global community.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT! Light meals prepared by Sequel Catering are available for purchase in the lobby prior to the lecture. The library will be hosting a pre-lecture TALKING BOOKS session. Don’t forget to visit the shop to view our new arrivals. Members receive a discount on their purchases.
Generously supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and the S. Schulich Foundation
Doors open: 6:30 p.m. | Lecture: 7:30 p.m.
Public $25 / Students (with ID) $15 / Members free. Door sales only.
Whistling Gardens: Building a Botanical Garden
Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.
Darren Heimbecker, Founder
From cornfield to botanical garden, hear the trials and triumphs of starting a nursery and garden centre plus construction of a 20-acre botanical garden. Located just south of Brantford, Ont., Whistling Gardens boasts the largest conifer collection in the world as well as Canada’s only stone
fountain amphitheatre.
The Culture of Queer Flowers
Thursday, June 20
Alison Syme
Celebrate Toronto Pride with Alison Syme, Associate Professor of Modern Art at the University of Toronto, and explore the life and lessons of queer flowers. For centuries artists, writers and scientists have been fascinated by the sex life of flowers and the “perversions” to which plants are prone. Learn how the wilder side of natural history has inspired erotica, art and political activism.
(Please note: this series was formerly known as the Edwards Lecture Series)
