Programs > Park Based > Allan Gardens Childrens Conservatory

Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory

The Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens was opened in 2004 following the greenhouses being relocated to Allan Gardens from the University of Toronto. For 70 years they were the focal point of botany teaching and research at U of T, and held a collection of over 600 plants. Now in City hands, the AGCC offers a site for horticultural education in the tradition of these beautiful heritage greenhouse buildings.

School Day Program

Starting in 2006, Green Thumbs Growing Kids began to offer a program for school-day visits to the AGCC in early spring. From March Break till the end of May, local students plant seeds and cuttings for their school gardens, learn about vermicomposting (teachers may take a worm bin for their classroom) and the importance of soil conservation. The Green Thumbs/Growing Kids program in the greenhouse is suitable for grades SK – 6. Because of the limited time availability, this program is offered first to students of local schools who will travel on foot, and especially those where we can be involved in follow-up planting in May/June. Teachers can contact us for bookings.

Following the hands-on activities in the Children’s greenhouse, students are taken on a tour of the main greenhouses. Tours may be geared to specific subject matter that students are studying. It’s always mentioned that the greenhouse is a public facility, operating 365 days per year, and that it’s free of charge. Children are encouraged to return with their families.

Saturday Workshop Series

Green Thumbs Growing Kids also partners with Growing Together in the Greenhouse Workshops, run through the St. James Town agency. These community growing workshops, suitable for families undertaking balcony growing in St. James Town, take place from February through May, usually on Saturdays. Participants learn about soils and compost, plants and seeds for container gardening. There are activities for children and some language translation. Contact Growing Together at 416-921-8716 for more information.

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Content last modified on July 03, 2008, at 04:22 PM EST