Guiding Principles for Online Plant Selection
Toronto Botanical Garden: Plant Diversity in the Garden
At Toronto Botanical Garden, we believe that gardens are living ecosystems where people and plants thrive together. Through our onlineand in-personplant sales, we offer a thoughtfully curated selection of native plants, non-native ornamental plants for outdoor gardens, and tropical plants for indoor spaces,each chosen for its ability to inspire gardeners and contribute to healthy, vibrant landscapes.
Native plantsare an essential part of Ontario's ecosystems.They provide critical habitat and food sources for many native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, and playan important roleinsupportinglocal biodiversity. As interest in native gardening continues to grow, Toronto Botanical Gardenremainscommitted to expanding the availability of native plants through our plant sales.We alsocontinue to add locally sourced native plants to the garden each year.We actively seek reputable growers and suppliers that specialize in native species and continue to build relationships with producers who can provide healthy, high-qualityindigenousplants.While availability is influencedby seasonal production and the capacity of specialty growers, increasing theselectionof native plantsat our annual plant saleandthrough ouronline portalremainsanongoing priority forourGardencommunity.
Why do we sell non-native, non-invasive flowering plants?
At the same time, research continues to show that manynon-native flowering plantscan also provide valuable nectar and pollen resources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators(Mount Cuba Centre,2017). Diverse gardens that combine native plants with carefully selected, non-invasive ornamentals can provide abundant forageand habitatthroughout the growing seasonfor wildlifewhilecreating resilient, beautiful spaces for people tolearn, be inspired and experience a sanctuary for the mind and soul.
“A balanced, nuanced approach recognizes that native and non-native plant species are important for optimizing the multiple social, biological, economic, and resource conservation functions of cultivated public spaces, parks, and gardens in the urban landscape.”–Washington NativePlant Society
Why do we sell tropical plants?
Our tropical houseplants support a different kind of connection to nature. While they are not intended to provide habitat for local pollinators, they bring the benefits of plants indoors, fostering wellbeing, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for thenatural world.
Our commitment to responsible horticulture
As a botanical garden, our commitment is to education and responsible horticulture including maintaining a genetic diverse collection of native and non-native plants that are suited to our climate. We actively avoid selling known invasive species and provide education that helps gardeners make informed choices for their own landscapes and local ecosystems.
Whether you are planting a pollinator garden, creating a colourful border, or adding greenery to your home, we encourage gardeners to celebrate plant diversity while considering the ecological role each plant can play. Together, we can cultivate gardens that are biodiverse, resilient, beautiful and supportive of both people and nature.