The Arb Expo will feature family-friendly nature activities that will highlight the exciting research, teaching and partnerships taking place to support plants, trees, science and sustainability. Arb Expo will also host a plant sale and showcase a variety of activities, music, food, as well as campus and community groups.

This year’s event aligns with Guelph Trial Garden’s annual flower Open House, led by Rodger Tschanz. The public is invited to view the new flower varieties in this year’s Trial Garden and vote on their favourites as well as participate in a houseplant/perennial plant sale and various activities at the Turfgrass Institute.

Event features:

• Arboretum Expo & Plant Sale: Discover a curated selection of Arboretum-grown plants, perfect for enhancing your own green spaces and supporting local horticulture initiatives.
• Nature Education Tours: Join expert-led or self-guided tours of the Arboretum grounds and gardens, farm and turfgrass research, Honeybee Research Centre apiary, immersing yourself in the diverse flora and fauna.
• Tree Climbing Demonstration: Join a certified arborist and tree worker as they showcase different climbing techniques, highlighting the importance of these practices in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Activities and Workshops: Engage in interactive and entertaining nature-themed activities, like an insect hunt or plant identification and sketching, flower arranging, tool demonstration, all designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
• Guelph Trial Garden: Features garden tours, voting on your favourite new varieties, flower arranging demo, Monarch butterfly rearing demo, houseplant and perennial sale and tours of turf research activities at the Turfgrass Institute.
• Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming: Features garden tours, veggies and flowers, and a tool workshop.