From Farmer Jim to Forest Canopies: A Drizzly Day of Learning & Connection

It was a misty, grey kind of Friday—the kind where everything feels a little softer, a little slower, and somehow a little more meaningful. But even with rain jackets on and coffee in hand, the learning was as vibrant as ever.

🌻 Morning: Farmer Jim & Intergenerational Magic

We began our day with Maria, a long-time preschool educator who had us completely captivated. She shared the beautiful story of Farmer Jim, a neighbour of her school who, back in 2018, struck up a simple, meaningful relationship with her class. Maria was looking for a space to put a little pumpkin patch for the kids and decided to knock on his door, and that led planting together in his garden, sharing artwork and celebrating holidays together. Her students (junior kindergarteners!) were learning about connection, reciprocity, and community care in the most organic, heart-first way. Farmer Jim is no longer with us, but the kids still remember him and we will too now.

Watch this beautiful video about Farmer Jim and the Kids!

Maria also shared some of the community-rooted projects she’s currently doing with her class, and it sparked a rich, heartfelt conversation among us about intergenerational learning. We talked about what it really means to strengthen relationships, not just within our classrooms, but throughout our schools and into our surrounding neighbourhoods.

🌲Midday:  Museum and Maps of Possibility

After saying goodbye, we headed to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum for a cozy lunch and a planning session. We’ve got a visit with Grade 6 students coming up on Tuesday, and it was the perfect space to brainstorm ideas. 

A special shoutout to Emma, who offered such thoughtful insights about how water and trees are connected—from roots to rainfall. She helped us reframe our thinking and inspired a few new directions for our lesson.

🌿 Afternoon: Greenhouses and Gratitude

From there, we made a quick stop at the UBC greenhouse, which felt like stepping into a hidden jungle on a rainy day. We met the a couple of the resident cats (true stars of the afternoon!) and soaked in the warmth of the space.

We wrapped the day back at the Orchard Garden, tying up a few loose ends and reflecting on just how much we’ve already experienced. It’s only the end of Week 1, and yet the connections to each other, to the land and to new ideas already feel deep and strong.

This week has been educational, rejuvenating, and grounding. We’re walking into the next two weeks with muddy boots and open hearts 💖💪🌈🌦🪴

Miyawaki Forests in Richmond

 

Planting a brand new Miyawaki forest at Spul'u'Kwuks Elementary School

Our morning began at Richmond Secondary, where we were given a tour of BC’s first-ever Miyawaki forest. Initially designed as protection against tsunamis, Miyawaki forests are dense pocket forests of native species. At Richmond Secondary, the three-year-old forest is surprisingly lush and provides a windbreak, sunshade, noise barrier, biodiverse habitat and an outdoor learning space. Richmond students were selective in planting native species resistant to climate change.

After planting a brand new Miyawaki forest at Spul'u'Kwuks Elementary School, our next stop was Terra Nova, home to the first-ever Miyawaki forest in a public space. A little underwhelming in an already natural environment, this Miyawaki may go unnoticed by the untrained eye. A closer look reveals a diverse and rich combination of planted native species!

Qel'qulhp', Island Halkomelem — 'Nootka' Rose, Rosa nutkana

Th’iwuq’ (fruit), Island Halkomelem — Red Elderberry, Sambucus rascemosa

Nitobe, Buttercups and Garry Oak meadows

Today, we began our time at UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden, a stunning Japanese garden designed as a space of harmony, balance, and reflection. We learned that the garden was a memorial of Dr. Inazo Nitobe, who saw himself as a bridge between East and West. That idea is beautifully embodied in the layout of the garden, where plants native to both the west and east are placed intentionally side by side. It made me think about cultural blending in landscape design  how a garden can be more than just a collection of plants, but a philosophy and art practice.

One of my favorite aspects was how lawns were made of soft moss instead of grass. There was a deliberate care in every path and planting but at the same time, nature was still clearly present. It’s a deeply manicured space that doesn’t feel artificial it embraces the art of nature.

Back at the Orchard Garden, I’ve been collecting buttercups, which are currently spreading like weeds across the site. While they're invasive, I’m curious about transforming them into something creative possibly using them for natural dyes or pigments. (When i arrived at my studio i quickly attempted some methods but will need a mortar and to wait for them to dry to get a better sample --I’ll report back once I’ve experimented with their color potential.)

Later in the day, our focus shifted to planting a Garry Oak meadow beside the orchard. The Garry Oak ecosystem is endangered in B.C., so starting this project felt meaningful. We planted companion species that occur in a Garry Oak meadow.

We also learned a hands-on method of using comfrey leaves to improve soil health. After harvesting the leaves, we chopped them up and layered them on top of the soil as a natural fertilizer. Over time, the leaves will decompose and feed the soil.

Looking forward to seeing how both the Garry Oak meadow and my buttercup dye experiments develop in the weeks ahead!