In the late 1990’s, with the guidance and vision of local teachers, volunteers, master gardeners, HCP staff and other community members, we developed the HCP Kids Garden to land-based learning opportunities for gardeners of all ages! From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, families and schools connect with nature and The Gardens in this interactive and educational garden. In 2014, this garden space further developed to engage all aspects of participants in this unique learning experience. Grounded in that the goodness that comes from planting your hands on the earth, the HCP Kids Garden supports students as they build an appreciation for nature, nutrition, community, land stewardship, and the environment.
Through our wide range of school programs, tours, interest workshops, events, camps, and celebrations, we grow together and develop skills, knowledges, and behaviours to nourish our bodies and minds. We continue to learn from master gardeners, horticulture teachers, students, indigenous leaders, and other local land-based learning educators. The HCP Kids Garden is part of our Outdoor Education Centre that features woodland trails, a nature circle, and various natural spaces to explore, as well as indoor and outdoor classrooms. We also benefit and use the many demonstration gardens and pathways through The Gardens at HCP and the adjacent Viaduct Flats and surrounding trails. This garden is where we learn, plant, and GROW good gardeners!
