Gardening with Nature at Guild Park… and More

Guild Park’s award-winning Native Pollinator Garden is more than a beautiful space—it’s a living example of how urban landscapes can support biodiversity, restore habitat, and connect people with nature.

On Wednesday, May 6, Guildwood resident and Butterflyway Project leader Allison Murray will present a free community talk at Venvi Guildwood Retirement Living, offering practical, accessible ways to garden with nature. Her presentation will highlight why pollinators—bees, butterflies, and birds—are essential to healthy ecosystems, and how even small local actions can have meaningful impact.

This talk also introduces a season of drop-in gardening sessions and stewardship activities at Guild Park. Upcoming programs include weekly volunteering opportunities and special events. You can learn how to care for native plants, manage invasive species, and how pollinators thrive. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply curious, the weekly gardening drop-ins at the park’s Native Pollinator Garden combine eco-learning, community connection, and tangible impact.

Together, these gardening initiatives reflect a growing commitment at Guild Park: connecting environmental stewardship with community participation, and showing how nature-based solutions can thrive in an urban setting.

As part of the May 6 presentation hosted at Venvi Guildwood, learn about the new series of free programs for active adults 55+ coming to Guild Park this season. The activities offer opportunities to connect with nature, explore creativity, and stay active outdoors with other local residents.

The program includes:

• Weekly activity walks (starting Monday June 15), focused on health, movement, and social connection.

• Hands-on art work-shops, encouraging creative expression guided by a professional artist. No art experience required.

• Gardening and nature sessions, including informal gardening drop-ins on Fridays and special talks linked to Guild Park’s natural environment.

Come to the May 6 presentation at Venvi for your introduction to the full program, made possible by Friends of Guild Park. More details, including registration information, will be at the presentation and available on-line.