Allan Gardens is a park with a large conservatory. The Toronto Horticultural Society, founded in 1834, was a group of local and traveling members who initiated gardening and botanical projects in the city of Toronto. Their purpose was to grow a variety of plant species from around the world in order to educate the public in horticulture. The City of Toronto, Parks and Recreation Division, has taken on the responsibility of preserving natural environments and horticulture.