We were honoured to welcome Robert Oliphant, MP and Stephanie Bowman, MPP to Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens for their annual New Year’s Levee on Sunday, January 11, 2026 – an event they have generously hosted at TBG for many years. Their continued commitment to celebrating our shared history and championing the future of public gardens is deeply appreciated.
This year’s Levee held special significance as it recognized the 70th anniversary of the gift of land that established Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden. In marking this milestone, MP Oliphant and MPP Bowman highlighted seven individuals and families whose leadership and vision helped shape Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden—celebrating those who carried ideas forward, built momentum, and rallied community support for the Garden we cherish today.
Honorees include:
Legacy Leadership
- The late Mr. Rupert Edwards and the Edwards Charitable Foundation, whose living and legacy contributions created the gem of Edwards Gardens and the Edwards Summer Music Series
- The Cullen Family, with four generations connected to this land, including the late Len Cullen of Weall & Cullen Nurseries Ltd.
TBG Champions Who Advanced Mr. Edwards’ Vision
- Marisa Bergagnini, Garden Club of Toronto member who led the creation of the Teaching Garden (Garden Club of Toronto)
- Dennis Dametto, City of Toronto Parks & Recreation champion and partner in the public-private partnership with TBG (City of Toronto)
- Geoffrey Dyer, Board Chair during TBG’s transformation from Civic Garden to Toronto Botanical Garden
- Lorraine Hunter, Editor of Trellis Magazine, TBG’s award-winning member publication
- Jenny Rhodenizer, Director of Marketing & Audience Engagement and TBG’s longest-serving employee
On behalf of the TBG community, we extend our sincere gratitude to the honorees whose contributions have enabled us to reach 70 years as a public garden. Alongside the dedication of volunteers, donors, staff, and community partners, their leadership continues to strengthen our mission and impact.
