Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – June 16, 2025 — Every June, as Pollinator Week rolls around, we get a friendly nudge to remember just how much we depend on those buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and other unsung heroes of pollination. They’re vital for our food, our flowers, and keeping our ecosystems in balance. Here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this national celebration perfectly underscores the value of the NOTL Horticultural Society’s 2025 Gardener’s Garden Tour, where passionate local gardeners throw open the gates to their gardens, inviting everyone to wander through pollinator-friendly landscapes bursting with life.
What makes the NOTL Horticultural Society’s Gardener’s Garden Tour extra special is that it’s entirely run by dedicated volunteers, members of the Society. In a world where we're constantly reminded of how valuable everyone's time and effort is, their passion and hard work not only bring the tour to life but also strengthen our community spirit, showing how getting involved can make our public life richer.
This year, Sandra Stokes, the co-chair of the 2025 NOTL Gardener’s Garden Tour, is excited to shine a spotlight on one garden in particular: The Living Classroom on York Road. As she puts it, “Pollinator Week is more than just raising awareness. It’s about making thoughtful choices in our own backyards to give a helping hand to bees, butterflies, and birds.”
The garden on York Road is a showcase of native plants like Butterfly Milkweed, New Jersey Tea, and Bearberry. Master Gardener Betty Knight has put in the extra effort to swap out invasive species with native alternatives. In her words, “Every flower here is a lifeline for pollinators.” You’ll find small bee bowls offering a refreshing drink to thirsty visitors, and if you look up, you might spot hawks circling overhead - a simple but powerful reminder of the delicate balance of nature.
For Susan Jurbala, co-chair of the event, the entire tour feels like a living, breathing classroom. “When people see what’s possible in a neighbor’s garden, they often feel inspired to give it a go themselves—whether that’s planting milkweed or letting a patch of wildflowers grow wild. That’s how change starts, one garden at a time.”
As Pollinator Week gets underway, Niagara-on-the-Lake is uniting in a shared mission to support our pollinators, proving that even small steps can make a big difference in helping our environment and community thrive.
Tickets
Regular: $25 (available until July 11)
Day-of: $35 (July 12)
Children under 12: Free
Tickets can be purchased online at www.notlhortsociety.com. Rain or shine, the tour will take place on July 12, with the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre serving as tour headquarters.