More Than a Garden: 10 Years of Community, Growth, and Giving Back

On a sunny morning in the garden, the first thing you notice is the laughter. Gloves are pulled on, trowels are ready, and a familiar group of volunteers heads straight for the potting tables. For more than ten years, this team of dedicated volunteers has been helping plants and communities grow.

Greening the gravel pit, one plant at a time

Staff at Abbey Gardens and Community Living Trent Highlands have worked collaboratively to develop engaging opportunities that match the interests and abilities of our volunteers. In 10+ years, we’ve tried it all! Mulching flower beds, planting, potting up seedlings, harvesting vegetables, prepping garlic bulbs for fall planting, weeding and watering. Our volunteers are always game to try something new, and refreshingly honest about which jobs won’t be making their ‘favourites’ list! 

The task with unanimous approval has been potting up seedlings. Sitting together in the shade and sharing stories makes the time pass quickly, and with everyone pitching in, the work feels lighter. Each year, 500+ native grass and flower seedlings are potted into larger containers by our volunteers, then lovingly tended by our restoration team before they’re planted in our Little Pit Prairie- one of the site’s former gravel pits.

Growth beyond the gardens

We’ve seen incredible growth in the gardens, but the most inspiring changes are often seen in the individuals who volunteer their time here. At the start of each season, some volunteers arrive a little hesitant. Perhaps they have no gardening experience, aren’t keen about getting their hands dirty, or simply aren’t used to spending time working outdoors. Yet after just a few sessions, those same volunteers are laughing about the dirt under their fingernails and eagerly asking what plants they’ll be potting next. 

Watching this transformation has changed our organization as much as it has changed the gardens themselves. Through this partnership, we’ve learned how powerful inclusive volunteer spaces can be. Our team has grown more patient, creative, and collaborative as we adapt activities so everyone can participate meaningfully. The program has also strengthened our sense of community, bringing together volunteers, support staff, and our garden team in ways we never expected. What began as a gardening initiative has become something much bigger; a place where confidence grows alongside the vegetables and flowers, and where our organization continues to learn, evolve, and deepen its commitment to creating welcoming spaces for everyone.

Each season closes with a shared meal together, freshly prepared by the café at the Food Hub. It’s a time to celebrate the season’s work, reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, and start dreaming about what we’ll grow next year.

Cara Steele, Ecologist

Abbey Gardens