Volunteer Spotlight: Emily Wong

Why did you volunteer with the Friends of Allan Gardens and how did you get started? 

Growing up, I always enjoyed planting flowers with my parents, and learning how to grow vegetables at home. My love started when I grew my first marigold from seed at the age of four. After moving into the city, I was eager to get my hands back into the earth and look for ways to give back to the community.

I visited Allan Gardens for the first time in the winter of 2018, and immediately fell in love with how warm and happy I felt as I explored each greenhouse, and how thoughtfully curated each garden was. I subscribed to the newsletter and signed up for my first volunteer shift.

I have very vivid and happy memories from my first volunteer shift, and remember counting the 40 flowers and shrubs I helped plant in the pollinator garden! It was also running concurrently with the Friends of Allan Gardens’ first-ever Spring Plant Sale, and it was a wonderful experience to see the variety of volunteer opportunities this team would host, and the community is built right in the heart of Toronto.

My first volunteer shift in the Pollinator Garden in Spring 2018, Photo Credit: Diana Teal

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been volunteering with FOAG since May 2018.

It has been a privilege to be able to help and be part of so many wonderful events! I volunteered mostly as a garden worker bee throughout the years, but have also helped with many other events including the Winter Flower Show and Holiday Show decor, our first book signing and workshop event for “Wild at Home” with Author Hilton Carter, teaching children how to propagate and plant jade plants to take home, the Spring and Fall plant sales, and the Edible Garden to name a few!

During the pandemic, when in-person volunteer opportunities were limited, I was so happy that I was able to give back in a new way by contributing to the Leaflet as the Editor, and continue to help share and spread the love and updates about Allan Gardens online.

What do you like most about volunteering at Allan Gardens?

I am always learning something new with each volunteer shift, from tips and tricks to bring home to my own vegetable gardens, or learning about new species of plants. I also get to meet someone new or see familiar faces! It is always nice to connect with others in person.

The hands-on experience volunteering with FOAG is what I love the most, and the variety of tasks I am assigned – no two shifts are ever the same!

Met a great new friend, Angela, at the April 2022 Park Clean-up

What motivates you to give back to Allan Gardens park and conservatory?

I volunteered across the city at many different events over the years, and being part of FOAG has been the most fulfilling and warm community of volunteers to be part of.

Everyone is so genuine and ready to roll up their sleeves to help in any way, from supporting local community groups with edible vegetables to creating a beautiful and safe space that Allan Gardens has to offer everyone.

Diana Teal is also one of the most passionate and organized Volunteer Managers I have worked with, and her ability to think creatively and continue to help foster a community both within FOAG and with other communities has been a huge contributing factor.

What is your favourite plant at Allan Gardens and why?

This is a challenging question since each greenhouse is so different, but I love the Orchid House. It always brings me a sense of happiness since the orchids are always beautifully thriving. The colours are always so vibrant in here as well!

Orchid House, Photo Credit: Emily Wong

What would you say to someone who’s thinking of volunteering?

If you love horticulture or have an interest in learning more, this is the perfect place to volunteer for you! Not only will you always learn something new, but you will also be part of a great team of diverse and kind volunteers who truly love and want to contribute to Allan Gardens.

I always leave with a warm heart after a shift, feel appreciated, and know what I am contributing will have a direct impact, which is a great feeling. Everyone is genuine and offers so much heart and knowledge to the Allan Gardens park. There is always an opportunity for everyone!