Blog  December 24, 2012

From a pop-up shop to a pollinator garden

Evergreen fan and supporter, Julie Skirving, loves being in the kitchen at EBW (Photo: Lauren North)

Between opening a new retail store in Toronto and cooking up a storm in the GE Café Chefs Series, this creative Evergreen supporter found time to chat with us about her love of nature, good food and all things Evergreen Brick Works. Meet Julie Skirving!

What was it about Evergreen Brick Works that first captured your attention?
I moved back to Toronto after being away for five years, and was making an effort to re-discover the city. I happened upon EBW and was instantly impressed with what you were doing to educate kids about nature and encourage people to enjoy being outdoors in a big city.

What is your favourite thing to do while you’re at EBW?
I have a hard time choosing a favourite, but it would probably be a toss-up between going for walks around the ponds or just sitting and watching people on a Saturday. I also really enjoy the GE Café Chef Series.

Why have you chosen to support Evergreen?
I was fortunate to have grown up going to a cottage for the summer so I spent a lot of time outdoors and I find a lot of my inspiration still comes from nature. I heard an author speak several years ago about “nature deficit disorder” and realized that I wanted to do my part to ensure that future generations got to explore and enjoy the outdoors like I had. I felt like Evergreen was doing such a great job of bringing nature to Toronto—I wanted to be a part of this effort.

What do you wish other people knew about Evergreen?
I wish they knew that it is really easy to get to, and that the Farmers’ Market and the food are so delicious. I like meeting the person who grew or made my food and I think this is a really cool community.

When you're not enjoying the site, where else can we find you?
Whenever possible, I am outdoors, trying new restaurants or enjoying spending time with my family and friends. I am also in the process of opening a new retail store, so I am spending a lot of time there right now—I hope to have a permanent location by spring. Logan & Finley is inspired by my love for nature, so I am following my dreams and trying to help bring more nature to our wonderful urban environment.

In addition to being an Evergreen supporter herself, this holiday season Julie gave the Gift of Nature, donating 10 percent of the profits from her pop-up shop Logan & Finley, to help Evergreen plant a Pollinator Habitat and Refurbish a Bike. To learn more about how you can give the Gift of Nature, check out our online catalogue, or contact Lauren North at 416-596-1495 x338 or lnorth@evergreen.ca.