One tends not to associate Toronto with the tropics, but that was exactly the theme of this week’s NatureSketch Club adventure!

Our class was held in the Children’s Conservatory at historic Allan Gardens; a place overflowing with plants from tropical and arid regions around the world.  The garden was founded in 1858 and officially opened on September 11th, 1860 by the Prince of Wales (later King George VII).  

My friend Diana Teal was our nature expert this week.  She also works at Allan Gardens as the Friends of Allan Gardens Program Manager.

Activities for the kids included: art lessons, botanical discussion, plant sketching and learning how to observe nature through fun games.  Diana also brought out plants for the children to pot themselves and take home with them.

We did a quick survey at the start of the class which revealed that the children have traveled extensively to tropical regions; so hopefully, our day spent at Allan Gardens will give them a greater appreciation and respect for any plants they see on future trips.

Thank you Diana Teal for inviting the NatureSketch Club to the Children’s Conservatory and sharing your time and expertise!  We had a great time and learned so much.

Coming next Saturday, we’re sketching at a farm!

Happy Nature Sketching,

Alan