Spring for All at the Jardin botanique Espace pour la vie is offering, in cooperation with external organizations, four weekends of free activities at the Jardin botanique’s Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, an inviting, dynamic and lively space for meetings and exchanges. In April, reconnect with nature and take the opportunity to explore, create or exchange with others, while gearing up to take concrete action towards the socio-ecological transition and the protection of biodiversity. April 7 - Urban Agriculture Through a variety of workshops and lectures punctuated by walks as well as creative and literary activities, this outing promises to give you a better understanding of edible plants in Québec, learn the basics of planting your own seeds, and get you thinking about ways to improve biodiversity in your neighbourhood. Heads up to all green thumbs out there! On the agenda 10 a.m. till noon | Chomp into the city: When children’s books whisk you away into urban agriculture! Activity courtesy of Pouce carré Come and spend some relaxing time with your family, and discover playful stories about urban agriculture! Anne-Marie Fortin, host of Pouce carré, will read a number of entertaining children’s stories and present a number of documentaries demonstrating that growing food in the city is entirely possible! Outdoor activity in French. For children aged 5 to 10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Nature Hive Activity courtesy of the Jardin botanique education team Young and old alike will be invited to indulge in arts and crafts, a variety of board games, or a relaxing reading corner, all under the theme of nature. 10:30 a.m. till noon | Walks among the trees Activity by the Jardin botanique education team If you’d like to make a special connection with trees or learn more about these green giants, this walk is for you! Come and explore the trails of the Jardin botanique Arboretum. Multiple departures, 15 participants at a time. 11 to 12:30 p.m. | Native Edible Plants Lecture by Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire, biologist and co-founder of the Réseau d'espaces verts éducatif et nourricier (REVE Nourricier) Come and discover the benefits of our local flora! Learn more about native plants, wild foraging and how to grow hardy, edible native plants at home. In French. Noon till 3:30 p.m. | Kiosk: How do cities impact the evolution of species? Activity presented by Simon Joly, Director of the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale de Montréal (IRBV), researcher at the Jardin botanique de Montréal and Associate Professor at the Université de Montréal. Although cities occupy a relatively small portion of the planet, they have a huge impact on the species that live there. Through the study of the flowers of the Cape Impatiens and its pollinators, a research lab is working to understand how urbanization impacts the evolution of species. Come and meet the team to find out more! 1 to 5 p.m. | Association Game - Live plants and dried plants Fun activity courtesy of the Jardin botanique library Many plants are easy to tell apart, but sometimes their similarities can be confusing! Whether you’re on your own or with your family, come and enjoy matching images of plants from a herbarium with their real-life versions. This 15-30 minute activity will teach you all about the various plant categories: vegetable plants, trees, field flowers and Québec weeds, insect-eating plants and woodland flowers. Capacity: 15 to 20 participants at a time. 1:30 to 3 p.m. | A magical walk among the trees Courtesy of Friends of the Garden Aren’t the trees at Jardin botanique magnificent? Put on your walking shoes and take part in a magical hike where you’ll learn more about the characteristics of this fabulous urban forest. Guided tour in French. For all; children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Number of participants: 20. 1:30 to 3 p.m. - Demystify the art of starting seeds Participatory workshop courtesy of Vicky Dupuis, seed artisan Become a pro seed starter! Learn how to read the planting instructions on seed packets, how to choose the right soil and fertilizer, and how to familiarize yourself with terms such as native, f1, f2, ancestral, stratification, hardiness zones, and more. As a bonus, each participant will get a seedling they can grow at home! In French . Number of participants: 15. 3 to 5 p.m. | Art Hive Creative workshop courtesy of the Yéléma Art Hive Intrigued by basketry? Come and rediscover nature from a creative angle at this intercultural and intergenerational workshop. Hélène Généreux and Catherine Lachance will introduce you to the ancestral art of basketry and invite you to decorate cardboard characters using natural materials. In French. 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Urban Agriculture: A biocultural approach to the landscape Lecture by Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire, biologist and co-founder of the Réseau d'espaces verts éducatif et nourricier (REVE Nourricier) Let yourself be inspired by an engaged reflection on the links between our urban lifestyle, the alteration of wild landscapes, and the challenges of biodiversity. Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire proposes solutions through urban agriculture and enriching our relationship with living things. In French. Food service From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the team at the Garden restaurant will be serving coffee, tea, pastries and more!