Citizen Spring 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 26 | Discover the Yummy Side of the Transition - Day 2 Rediscover the plant world from a food perspective! Through fun zero-waste activities and lectures on nutrition and plant-based diets, everyone will leave with a new appreciation for plants. Program The Jardin botanique team offers books, games, and creative activities for everyone on an ongoing basis. 10 am to noon - Au naturel! Story Time for the Whole Family Courtesy of Pouce Carré Enjoy a fun and relaxing moment as you discover books that celebrate trees and nature! Join the Pouce carré facilitators, who will read entertaining children’s stories and present fascinating documentaries that will help you better understand and appreciate the environment! New for 2026: a table packed with reading suggestions for all ages General public and families In French only 10 am to noon - Creative workshop: Introduction to Organic Sculpture Courtesy of La ruche d’art Yéléma Using clay and seasonal harvests, come and explore your creative side. All are welcome! General public and families In French only 10:30 am to noon - Guided Tour: The Arboretum in Spring Courtesy of the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden The Arboretum’s tree collection allows visitors to admire the awakening of nature in spring. Come (re)discover this space through the eyes and stories of our passionate volunteer guides! This activity is offered by the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. General public and families Up to 15 people In French only 11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Cooking and language workshop: Sigwan—Spring of the Abenaki Courtesy of Jacques T. Watso Immersive Abenaki workshop. Learn the W8banaki language through traditional cuisine, songs, and movement, in a space of sharing, respect, and cultural transmission. General public and families (4 years and older) Up to 50 people In French only 12:30 to 2:30 pm - Lecture: Smells and Flavours of a Vegetable Garden (Growing and Processing Herbs) Courtesy of Agro-Passion Learn how to grow and cook with herbs at home. Herbs are expensive and fragile, by many of them are easy to grow at home, so what’s keeping you? Add freshness to your dishes all year round, even in winter. Adults Up to 100 people (30 individual kits) In French only 1 to 4 pm - Discovery kiosk: “Edible Flowers” Kiosk Courtesy of Agro-Passion Come discover the wonderful world of edible flowers with us! Stop by our kiosk for an overview of how to grow and prepare the most delicious flowers that grow in Quebec. A surprise tasting awaits! General public and families Up to 200 people In French only 1:30 to 4:30 pm - Family Activity: Unusual Plant-based Foods Courtesy of the Jardin botanique de Montréal (EPLV) - Youth Gardens Put your artistic talents and horticultural skills to good use during this family activity that will introduce you to unusual plant foods that grow in Quebec. Uncover the secrets of pipicha, shiso, pawpaw, and many others! General public and families In French only 1:30 to 4:30 pm - Grainothèque: Second Chance Courtesy of the Jardin botanique de Montréal (EPLV) Did you know that even seeds have a shelf life? But before you throw them in your compost bin, give them a second chance! Come and pick up a bag of recovered seeds and try your hand at gardening. Sow the past, reap the future. General public and families In French only 2 to 4 pm - Lecture/Workshop: Make Your Own Herbal Teas Courtesy of Maureen Wilhelm - Atelier MWB How to pick and dry plants, how to store them, and how to consume them? For this lecture/workshop, create your own bag of herbal tea that you can take home with you! General public and families (14 years and older to do the activity alone) Up to 12 people In French only 3 to 4:30 pm - Lecture: New Flavours in Landscaping Courtesy of Guillaume Pelland, Paysage gourmand The pioneer of edible landscaping introduces you to the horticultural and culinary potential of plants that may be rare in cooking but relevant to our landscapes, contributing to better health and nutritional security as well as botanical and food diversity. We consume the fruits, flowers, leaves, or roots of these perennial plants, which are often resilient and easy to maintain. General public and families In French only