Celebrating Art, Nature, and Community — Essence of the Garden is the 2nd annual plein air art exhibition and sale featuring over 100 original artworks created outdoors at Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens. This curated, site-specific show invites visitors to experience the Garden through the eyes of the artists who paint here—capturing moments of light, movement, and the essence of the natural world.

Saturday, October 3 through 18, 2026
Open Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free Admission

This exhibition coincides with Toronto’s Ravine Days, an annual city-wide celebration of Toronto’s ravine system.

Presenting Sponsor: Foresters Financial

What You’ll See:
Over 100 plein air paintings celebrating the Garden created by 46 talented local artists
Artworks displayed in public spaces across the Visitor Centre and are available for sale.
Visit the Garden Shop for unique, artist-made gifts and mini works
Engage with the artist(s) who will be hosting workshops and will be onsite throughout the exhibition painting ‘en plein air’