During the 2025 season, new volunteers, as well as returning volunteers, participated in garden
work. Many of the volunteers were high school students, completing their community service
hours. The PNG leadership team is made up of experienced veteran volunteers, as well as
younger volunteers eager to be part of the decision-making process.
produce to charities directly after harvest, and offering half to neighbours in exchange for
donations to the garden. Over 385 pounds of food were donated. The not-for-profit groups to
which food was donated were the St. Vincent de Paul Women’s Shelter, Neighbourlink North
York, and 415 Food Hub. Donations to the garden totaled close to $1700, thanks to eager
community members who exchanged donations for organic produce. Flower arrangements
(comprised of garden-grown flowers) were offered for the first time in 2025, and some skilled
volunteers made delicious jams from garden berries. Generous market-goers made these
specialty items quickly disappear.
The 2025 growing season, as usual, presented some challenges. Cool temperatures in the spring
and hot and dry summer conditions required special attention from volunteers, who worked
hard to preserve plants that survived. During the hottest part of the summer, a watering
schedule was maintained with committed resources who kept the garden irrigated.
Once again in 2025, PNG benefited from the growing trend of corporations giving back to their
communities. Several groups of workplace colleagues, who volunteered to spend a few hours
in the garden, accomplished big projects that required many people and a commitment of time.
As the John MacKenzie Parkette/Garden Expansion project (centered around the city-owned
property at 37 Norton Avenue, adjacent to the northeast section of Parkview Neighbourhood
Garden), progressed, PNG provided detailed input to the project. Completion of the new space
is eagerly awaited.
Despite some challenges, the 2025 gardening season saw student and adult volunteers working
hard to maintain a productive and beautiful space in the neighbourhood. As in past seasons,
gardening knowledge and methods were passed on to new volunteers by more experienced
ones.
