In a gesture that blends environmental awareness with civic engagement, the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension (VSP) is once again inviting residents to roll up their sleeves and dig into community life—literally. The beloved annual distribution of flowers and edible plants returns this May, giving residents a chance to beautify their gardens and balconies while connecting with their neighborhood and nature.
Taking place on Saturday, May 17, this large-scale event provides a variety of vegetable plants and flowering species, free of charge, to all residents of VSP who register in advance. A special distribution for eligible community groups will be held the day prior, Friday, May 16. In both cases, advance registration is mandatory and places are limited.
The initiative, organized in partnership with local environmental organization Ville en vert, is more than a giveaway—it’s a civic celebration of sustainability, shared responsibility, and green living. It also serves as a reminder that ecological well-being starts at home, with residents directly contributing to the urban biodiversity of their borough.
Civic engagement in bloom
Starting April 23 at noon, VSP residents can sign up via an online form managed by Ville en vert. Registration will close once all available spots are filled. Each participant must respect their assigned time slot and present proof of residence at the distribution site. Whether it’s a utility bill, driver’s license, or Accès Montréal card, documentation will be required to ensure fair access.
On the day of distribution, residents will be able to collect their plants at one of two parks: Parc François-Perrault or Parc Jarry, both locations positioned behind their respective public pools. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon at François-Perrault and until 1 p.m. at Jarry. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable bags or boxes for transportation.
Planting seeds of solidarity
On May 16, from 2 to 3 p.m., the borough will welcome up to 130 eligible community groups—ranging from housing co-ops and green alley committees to seniors’ residences and religious communities. These groups, many of whom have taken part in past years, will also need to register through Ville en vert. New participants must call 514-447-6226 ext. 256 to initiate the process.
Excluded from this year’s distribution are schools, businesses, and public or private enterprises—an intentional move to focus the program on community-driven and non-commercial actors.
What’s in the garden basket
Participants will receive a vibrant selection of flowers and vegetables, including nasturtiums, salvia, Achillea Summer Berries, French thyme, chamomile, basil, red peppers, Pink Girl tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (Tumbler F1), and more. These varieties were chosen not only for their beauty or culinary value but also for their ability to thrive in local growing conditions.
In addition to the plant distribution, residents will have access to free compost and mulch, courtesy of the City of Montreal’s Environmental Services. However, only those attending the May 17 resident event are eligible. Attendees are advised to bring a container of about 30 litres and a shovel. Organizers also offer a tip for success: mix one-third compost with two-thirds soil to prevent over-acidification, which can make plants more susceptible to pests and disease.
A shared effort, a shared reward
The event is not only about plants—it’s about participation. Organizers are calling on everyone to respect site rules and the guidance of volunteers, whose hard work makes such a large operation possible. By following the instructions and contributing to a respectful atmosphere, residents help ensure the continued success of this annual tradition.
The free plant distribution in VSP is a vibrant example of what happens when local government, community organizations, and citizens come together. It fosters pride in public space, encourages eco-responsibility, and most importantly, plants the seeds of community involvement—one pot of basil at a time.
