Funded Programs

The Learning Garden

By: Sangeeta Thomas, Environmental Educator at VanDusen Botanical Garden

When I speak to kids who visit the Gardens, I am often saddened by how few have ever cared for a plant of their own – an experience that means so much to garden lovers like me.

And it’s not just kids. Growing flowers & vegetables used to be a part of everyday life for Vancouverites, but that’s something many of us have lost.

It is for these reasons that I am so excited to let you know about the opening of a dedicated Learning Garden at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The Learning Garden will feature raised planters where learners will get to plant a seed for the first time, educational flower beds that will teach & inspire people of all ages, and all the tools and equipment needed to make this space accessible to everyone.

Featuring:

• Plants that you can eat, display, or even make dyes from!
• 9 large planters and tools suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
• Themed garden beds with plants for each of the five senses: smell, touch, taste, sight, and yes, even hearing!
• Signage to help educate all visitors to the Learning Garden.
• And more!

This outdoor learning space will provide school trips, summer camps, and adult education classes with the opportunity to plant, care for, and harvest a variety of crops year-round. It will be used to enhance our existing educational classes, helping people of all ages to learn more about life cycles and biodiversity, as well as practical skills such as how to grow your own food and how to farm sustainably.

As an educator, I can’t tell you how excited I am to put the Learning Garden to use! From children who have never grown anything before, to seniors who have downsized and can no longer engage their passion for gardening, the Learning Garden will be a truly transformational experience. If you were one of the incredible individuals who allowed this project to happen, you have my deepest gratitude.

If you think that everyone deserves the chance to experience the simple joys of growing & caring for plants and you want to help, donate to support the Learning Garden today click here.

Your donation today could purchase the first seed a child ever plants, or the first trowel a senior has held since downsizing. What an incredible gift to give someone.