What is a Learning Garden?

A learning garden is a place where students, teachers and the community come together to learn, connect and reflect in a beautiful outdoor space. At EcoSource we believe that getting students outside and getting their hands in the dirt is an integral part of encouraging environmentally aware citizens. A school learning garden provides students with the opportunity for hands-on learning about gardening, ecosystems, native plants and environmental stewardship. A garden is also a great place for reflective time, reading, poetry, art or play.  In theory, any garden space can (and should!) be a place of learning.  By calling our school gardening projects 'learning' gardens we emphasize the role that a garden can play as a catalyst for all types of learning.

The EcoSource School Learning Gardens Program is part of a four-year school and community gardening initiative generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  In partnership with the Multicultural InterAgency Group of Peel (MIAG) and the City of Mississauga, we are working to bring outdoor teaching spaces to elementary schools enrolled in our Green Schools Program.

For more information about the Learning Gardens Program, please visit our program page.  To find out more about specific learning garden projects, visit our 2008 and 2009 links.  If you are interested in starting your own school garden and would like more information, please contact Carolyn Bailey, Community Gardens and School Learning Gardens program coordinator: cbailey (at) ecosource.ca or 905-274-6222.