Garden Buddies
Garden Buddies is a free, low-barrier therapeutic horticulture program at the Earthwise Garden that promotes physical activity, social connection and emotional well-being. Coordinated by a Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR), the program has been running since 2014 and welcomes participants of all ages, with a special focus on older adults. Research shows that gardening in a group setting can boost mood, reduce stress, increase mobility, and build meaningful connections.
Current Projects
Garden Buddies Teaching Garden
Some seniors and others with limited mobility face a unique set of challenges when it comes to community gardening opportunities. Earthwise Society’s Garden Buddies Teaching Garden aims to change that. Built in 2021 by a team of senior volunteers, this accessible therapeutic garden features raised beds, benches, tables and a gazebo on a paved concrete patio. The ground is stable and wheelchair accessible, enabling safe movement throughout the garden area. This space serves as the hub for our Monday Meetups and is actively planted and cared for by Garden Buddies participants. We grow a variety of unique plants to engage the senses and use in group activities, from pineapple sage and scented geraniums to yellow tomatoes and scarlet runner beans.
Garden Buddies Monday Meetups
Garden Buddies Monday Meetups are free, two hour drop-in therapeutic horticulture sessions held on certain Mondays each month in the Garden Buddies Teaching Garden. At these meetups, participants can expect to engage in the full plant life cycle from seed to harvest through activity streams that include cultivation, sustainability, botanical crafts, mindfulness and food literacy. Sessions run year-round and balance education, discussion, and hands-on elements.
A typical session includes introductions, an opening activity, such as trivia or a guessing game, discussion, an educational segment, and a hands-on garden-themed experience. These meetups are led by a Registered Horticultural Therapist, trained Garden Buddy mentor(s) and/or co-facilitated with participants. Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, this program offers a welcoming space where nature nurtures wellness and connection. Check out the meetup schedule HERE, and register for the program to receive reminders about upcoming sessions by emailing programs@earthwisesociety.bc.ca.
To see a Garden Buddies Monday Meetup in action, and hear from participants about their experiences with the program, check out THIS VIDEO by CBC.
Mentor Training
Garden Buddy Mentors are key volunteers that support the program and help facilitate sessions. The demand for our Garden Buddies program has been high, and we are always looking to recruit new volunteers who would like to become Garden Buddy Mentors. Earthwise offers annual free therapeutic horticulture training for interested volunteers who commit to volunteering with the program. The training is led by a Registered Horticultural Therapist and can be a valuable practical and educational experience for aspiring horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture professionals. If you are interested in learning more about therapeutic horticulture and helping out with Garden Buddies by becoming a volunteer mentor, email programs@earthwisesociety.bc.ca.
Garden Buddies On The Go
This program invites seniors’ groups and senior living communities to visit the Earthwise Garden in Delta for personalized tours and outdoor activities. Contact us to learn more about how we may be able to accommodate your group.
Past Garden Buddies Projects
Garden Buddies Picnics
Thanks to 2024 program funding from United Way BC we launched Garden Buddies Picnics, bringing participants together for therapeutic horticulture activities and a shared lunch as part of a broader food security efforts through the Delta Food Coalition.
Garden Buddies At Home
This project paired older adults living at home with trained Earthwise volunteers to work together on simple gardening activities. Volunteers visited regularly to support seniors in continuing a beloved hobby, while building meaningful intergenerational relationships.
Garden Buddies: Stay Connected
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this virtual adaptation of Garden Buddies supported seniors through weekly phone calls, tech help, and online group gatherings. Participants joined interactive workshops, shared gardening tips and stayed socially and mentally engaged during a time of isolation.
Garden Buddies FAQs
How do I register for the program?
Please email programs@earthwisesociety.bc.ca to register. By registering, there is no commitment required, your email will just be added to our Garden Buddies mailing list to receive updates about upcoming gatherings.
Who can register for the program?
Anyone and everyone! The program targets older adults but is open to all ages. No prior gardening experience is required.
Where do the Monday Meetups take place?
In the Garden Buddies Teaching Garden at 6400 3 Avenue in beautiful Boundary Bay. Ample parking is available and a bus route is close by.
When are the upcoming Garden Buddies meetups?
Please check the events schedule HERE.
When is the next round of Garden Buddy Mentor Training?
The next training is anticipated for Fall 2025. To receive updates and be the first to know when registration opens, join our waitlist by emailing programs@earthwisesociety.bc.ca
How can I support the program?
You can support Garden Buddies by volunteering, donating or helping spread the word about the program. Contact us to find out more about partnership or sponsorship opportunities.
This program is supported by United Way Lower Mainland. 