Growing Together: Celebrating Another Wonderful Year in the Garden

Garden Education Program Impact 2026

As the school year comes to a close, so does another incredible season of garden classes with Rachel, Morgan, and our amazing Garden Education team at Gabriola Elementary School.

Our young gardeners headed into summer with a little piece of the garden to care for at home. Each student who wanted one received a Grow Kit complete with a sunflower, two vegetable/flower or herb plants, a jar of sunflower seeds, and a package of fava beans—beans the students helped harvest and package themselves. We hope these kits inspire plenty of growing, learning, and family conversations over the summer months.

Looking back on the year, we're filled with gratitude for the curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy the students brought to the garden each week. Together, we tasted freshly grilled broccoli, made countless batches of crispy kale and apple chips, explored the magic of growing food, and got our hands wonderfully dirty along the way.

There were plenty of memorable moments, too. Sprinkles the Squirrel made several surprise appearances to "plant" hazelnut bushes, Mr. Beet led lively garden parades, and our outdoor kitchen was always buzzing as students discovered just how delicious freshly harvested vegetables can be.

Programs like Garden Education are about so much more than growing food. They nurture confidence, curiosity, healthy eating habits, environmental stewardship, and a lasting connection to the land and to one another. Watching students build these skills and create joyful memories together is one of the greatest rewards of the year.

We'll miss seeing our young gardeners over the summer, but we know many of them will be tending their own little gardens at home. We can't wait to welcome everyone back in the fall for another season of learning, growing, and, of course, pulling carrots together.

Have a wonderful summer, Gabriola Elementary—we'll see you in the garden soon!

Get Involved

Want to make a difference in our community? We'd love to have you join us!

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering in the PHC gardens, please contact us at volunteer@phcgabriola.org or call 250-247-7311.

You can also support our work by making a financial donation through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/11348. Donations of tools, supplies, and other in-kind contributions are always appreciated and help our programs continue to grow.

Together, we can cultivate healthy gardens, stronger connections, and a more vibrant community.