Healthy Yards

All orders must be picked up on distribution days. No special arrangements will be made.

• You must pick up your order between Wednesday, June 17 and Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Richmond Hill’s Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Road East). 
• The City of Richmond Hill is not responsible for plant material that is not picked up or plant material that does not survive after it is picked up.
• In circumstances where plant material is not available we will substitute with another plant that is similar to your original choice.
• All sales are final. If you make a mistake on your order, email naturalenvironment@richmondhill.ca and we will try to update your order.
• Quantities are limited per household to:
  • Five trees and shrubs 
  • One Native Perennial Flower Kit
  • One backyard composter
  • Five rain barrels

Trees range from 5' to 8' and costs range from $150 to $220. The cost of the tree includes a site consultation with a tree specialist, one tree and full planting service. You can also get shrubs, native garden kits and edible garden kits.

Replace your ash tree and save $100 off a new tree! Limited number of rebates available to York Region property owners.

The Program is a partnership between Richmond Hill, York Region and the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF). LEAF has planted more than 17,000 native trees and shrubs in residential backyards since 1996.

Call LEAF at 416-413-9244 for more information about their program.

The Canadian Wildlife Federation allows individuals to have their property certified by officially designating their gardens as wildlife friendly. Whether you have a small patio or acres of land, your property may receive certification once specific criteria and established best practices are met.

Visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation website for more information. You can also find helpful gardening resources on the Backyard Habitat and Native Plant Encyclopedia webpages.

NANPS is a charitable organization concerned with preserving native plant habitat in wild areas and restoring indigenous flora to developed areas. Their key purpose is to provide information and inspire an appreciation of native plants with an aim to restoring healthy ecosystems across the continent.

They offer resources on native plant gardens including workshops and an annual plant sale.

The objective of the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society is to promote interest, involvement, education, and improvement in all areas of horticulture, thereby providing beauty and enjoyment throughout the community. Become a member to access resources and view upcoming guest speakers.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority offers a number of fact sheets providing information on how to create a healthy yard, including natural lawn care, wildlife habitat and rain gardens. 

View TRCA Healthy Yards fact sheets

View TRCA calendar of events

Richmond Hill's Community Garden Programs

Community gardens provide residents with a number of social and environmental benefits including opportunities to engage in a healthy recreational activity, spend time with friends and neighbours, meet new people, grow and/or learn about growing nutritious food, as well as ornamental and native plants.

Richmond Hill offers two community garden programs - rental of plots at allotment gardens to grow vegetables and support for groups who would like to start a community garden on public land.