Volunteer
The Auxiliary is an independent corporation governed by a Board of Directors whose mission is:
'To promote the objects and interests of Royal Botanical Gardens through volunteer service.'

The Auxiliary office is open:
Tues. and Thurs. 9:30a.m. to 2:00p.m. and Wed. 9:30a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information call 905-577-7771 or email
To reach the Auxiliary floral workshop call 905-527-5577.

Volunteer Opportunities
Discover the many ways in which you can be a part of the Auxiliary. To apply to be a member of the Auxiliary, you must already be a member of Royal Botanical Gardens.
History and Operation
Learn how the Auxiliary began and how hundreds of dedicated volunteers have contributed to the Gardens.

Download a pdf of the Auxiliary Spring Newsletter
Download a pdf of the Auxiliary 2009 Annual Report

Education And Information Services

Children’s Activities Program
Assist children with crafts at public events. 
Children’s Gardening Program
Assist in children's gardening programs.
Gardening Information
Answer gardening questions from members and public by e-mail and telephone.
Information Desk
Greet visitors and provide information regarding gardens, services and amenities.
Nature Interpretive Centre 
Assist in educational programs for school groups.
Special Events 
Assist at festivals and events.
Tour Guides 
Lead group tours of the gardens. 
Trail Watchers 
Walk our trails and report on conditions. Educate the public.

Shop @ The Gardens And Auxiliary Workshop

Auxiliary Garden and Dried Flowers 
Plant and maintain the Auxiliary garden; harvest plants for drying.
Auxiliary Workshop 
Produce floral designs using natural and silk materials. 
Christmas Show and Sale 
Assist with production, set-up and operation of event.
Shop @ The Gardens
Assist in the operation of the retail shop.

Gardening And Plant Sale Activities

Bulb Sale 
Assist with the preparation and sale of bulbs.
Plant Sale 
Prepare, pot and sell plants at our plant sales.
RoyalSelect 
Assist with the preparation of plants for this sale.
Volunteer Gardening 
Assist with maintenance of the gardens.

Auxiliary And Staff Support

Library
Bind periodicals, repair books, catalogue slides, assist with special projects.
Mailing Assistance 
Assemble packets sent to members and the public.
Social 
Organize refreshments for Auxiliary meetings.
Telephone 
Contact members to convey Auxiliary information.

In 1961, a group of volunteers and others within the Members' Association of Royal Botanical Gardens met to form a Women's Committee. In its first year of existence, this group helped develop a photographic library, assisted in the library, herbarium and Children's Garden, served as tour guides, conducted dried flower workshops, opened the Floral Art Shop, organized a Christmas Exhibition and began fund-raising for a new garden to mark Canada's Centennial year.

From its inception, the purpose of this group was to promote the interests of Royal Botanical Gardens. Membership, numbering about one hundred in that first year, was open to any woman member of RBG. Five years later the Women's Committee was represented for the first time by its President on RBG's Board of Directors. In October 1976 the name of the organization was changed to The Auxiliary of the Royal Botanical Gardens, signalling the entry of men into the membership.

Since April 6, 1994, when the Auxiliary became incorporated, it has been governed by its own Corporation By-Laws. An elected board of 14 directors represents the 28 working committees. The President and the Vice- President sit on the RBG Board and the President is a member of the Board Executive. In addition, the Auxiliary is represented on most RBG Board committees.

Revenue from numerous fund-raising activities has enabled the Auxiliary to provide major financial support to RBG. Among past donations was a very large contribution in 1985 towards the construction of the Mediterranean Greenhouse. The Auxiliary continues to fund some specific priorities; however, the direction of most of the financial support is a reflection of priorities set by RBG.

The total Auxiliary financial contributions to the Gardens now exceeds 2.8 million dollars. In 2002, the Auxiliary donated $150,000 to RBG's capital expansion project.