A Well Grounded Garden

The garden project at Willow Springs Creative Centre reflects the growth that has taken place since creative programs were first offered at the old Lappe store. Whether it was a willow workshop or a creative camp for children, the activities at the centre have aimed to explore the transformative effect that "creating" can have on the lives of individuals.

There is a natural link between "creating" and "growing" which the garden project hopes to foster. The field of horticultural therapy - a therapeutic approach that that uses plants, horticultural activities and nature-based art activities to improve the social, educational, psychological and physical condition of participants - will inform how the garden is used. We are already studying what this field can teach us about the ways in which gardening experiences can build self-esteem and team skills, greater physical fitness, and nurture other profound personal changes. As Judi Vinni explains, "In developing this accessible therapeutic garden program we would bring this powerful healing tool to many."

The garden space will be for children, youth and adults. It will be a venue for community-based organizations, volunteers, artisans, horticulturists, food advocates and community members of all ages to come together. As the garden grows, so will new strategies for positive community development.

Building a garden is a long term project. It takes many seasons of commitment. The vision for the garden is big; that's why we have assembled a Grounds Committee to help coordinate the work needed to get the garden plan underway.

The members of the Ground Committee are Darlene Craig, Lea Hayes, Heather McLeod, Mary Ellen Ripley, Holly Rupert, Robin Sadko, Julie Whalen, and Judi Vinni. Werner Schwar, who created the desing for the garden project, is a much-valued advisor to the committee.

Documenting the process is important. The Ground Committee will maintain this weblog so that our online visitors can read about our progress. We welcome any comments you wish to send via this blog.