Arboretum, University of Guelph 2020 Plant Sale

Welcome to our 2020 Arboretum Plant Sale Auction!

The Arboretum usually holds an annual plant sale and Arb Expo each September. COVID prevents us from holding an in-person sale this year. Instead we will be offering a sampling of plants with their stories on this on-line auction instead.

The plant sale is usually a huge fund-raiser for The Arboretum and the funds raised help with the on-going maintenance and development of The Arboretum; a 408 acre living museum of plant collections, gardens, forests, biodiversity, conservation and research projects and public outreach programs tucked amidst the University of Guelph campus.

This year more than ever this fund-raising effort is so very important. Our living plant collections and grounds have continued growing and requiring care, even while so many of our income sources have been limited by the pandemic. Like everyone, we have felt the effects of COVID. Income from Workshops and Room Rentals have become very limited. The number of workshops we are able to do has decreased greatly with only virtual programs at this point. Only small outdoor event rentals have been permitted this summer. Funds raised at the Plant Sale are especially important this year to continue our work on the grounds. The grounds have remained open throughout COVID.

Should you wish to support us by a donation other than through this plant sale please visit our donation page on our website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/dedicationsanddonations

Thank you for taking the time to visit us this year at our Virtual Plant Sale. Enjoy browsing and we hope you find that special plant you are looking for. Thank you for your support!

The Arboretum encompasses 400 acres adjacent to campus featuring plant collections, gardens, walking trails, natural woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Established in 1970, The Arboretum is home to more than 2000 different taxa of woody plants, in thematic collections such as a synoptic World of Trees, Native Trees of Ontario, and noteworthy collections of Oaks, Beeches, Maples, and Conifers.

We connect people with nature and enhance teaching, research, and outreach at the University. The Arboretum is integral to many undergraduate courses, and acts as a 'living laboratory', providing support, expertise, and a wide variety of plants, species, and environments for researchers at all levels. We offer dozens of workshops and public programs annually, and serve as a beautiful venue for special events.

Our strong focus on conservation of woody plants native to Ontario is implemented through long-running initiatives such as the Rare Woody Plants of Ontario program. We archive, in living gene banks, representative specimens of rare and at-risk trees and shrubs of the province. Through our Elm Recovery Project we are breeding a genetically diverse, Ontario-sourced American Elm population that is tolerant of Dutch Elm Disease.