not far from the tree

Not Far From The Tree is thrilled to announce our latest endeavour, a proposal for Toronto’s first community orchard. In partnership with Growing for Green, we’ve been busy dreaming up a plan that puts fruit trees on public property with a clear mission for how to maintain and harvest from the trees.

Imagine walking straight out of a subway station and into an orchard full of blossoms or buzzing with neighbours enjoying a fruit feast. The site we’re hoping to transform is Ben Nobleman Park, directly across from Eglinton West subway station near the northern edge of Ward 21.

If all goes according to plan, there will be forty fruit trees (apples, pears, plums, cherries, crabapples, and even a couple of pawpaw) planted around the perimeter of the site, thereby allowing plenty of space for frisbee-throwing and dog-walking in the centre of the park. The plan, drafted by volunteer landscape architect Jane Hutton, takes advantage of the sunniest spots for the fruit trees to bask in.

Precedents for community orchards exist in many other municipalities: London, UK; Berkeley, USA; Gloucestershire, UK; Wellington, NZ; Virden, Manitoba; Boston, USA; Philadelphia, USA; and Los Angeles, USA.

If you’d like to get involved with this exciting initiative, send an email to communityorchard-subscribe@mylists.ca.