Community Gardening in Vancouver

Written By Emma Calder

Written by Katie Thurman, Sustainability Committee member

I would like to acknowledge that non-Indigenous community gardening in so-called Vancouver occurs on the stolen, ancestral lands of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl’ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples. If participating in community gardening here, it is important to recognize the historical and ongoing effects of settler colonialism, and to uphold one’s responsibility to support and work for food system changes that address current injustices and care for the local land and people.

Community gardening provides a wide range of benefits relating to social connection, health, education, and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations (Tracey et al., 2023).

Attached below is a visual representation of the possibilities community gardening provides in urban areas. 

Growing an urban oasis: A Qualitative Study of the Perceived Benefits of Community Gardening in Baltimore, Maryland (Poulsen et al., 2014)

There are currently over 100 community gardens and orchards in Vancouver. Non-profit organizations operate community gardens on City land and in parks through operating agreements with the City or Park Board. Community gardens on private property are managed by the property owner, sometimes in collaboration with other companies ot community organizations (City of Vancouver, n.d.).

Community Garden Locations in Vancouver

City of Vancouver

To find out more information about each garden, such as name, address, and number of plots, visit the following link and click on the map symbols. If interested in participating in any of the above gardens, refer to the steward or managing organization listed for each point. https://opendata.vancouver.ca/explore/dataset/community-gardens-and-food-trees/map/?location=12,49.24979,-123.11941 


Organizations

  • The Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA)

    • DIGA works to increase the accessibility of community gardening. The organization is part of 7 community gardens around Metro Vancouver, each conveniently located near accessible facilities and public transit.

    • Participants in the community gardening program will receive a raised plot or tabletop garden, one-on-one volunteer assistance, and custom, adapted tools, stakes, cages, trellises, and anything else one may need for growing a healthy garden.

    • Participation information: https://digabc.org/participate/ 

  • Community Garden Builders

Community Garden Builders

  • Village Vancouver

    • Village Vancouver “coordinates, organizes and facilitates individuals, neighbourhoods and organizations to collaborate in taking actions that build just, sustainable and resilient communities, cities and bioregions.”

    • They offer many community garden-based events across Vancouver. Upcoming workshops include “Grow Your Own Sprouts and Microgreens,” “Introduction to Organic Gardening,” and “Gardening in a Changing Climate.”

    • Refer to their website for event and volunteer information: http://www.villagevancouver.ca/ 

Community Gardening at UBC

  • GeoGarden

    • Located at the back entrance of the Geography garden, the GeoGarden is managed by the Geography Students’ Association. 

    • Check out the Instagram for volunteer opportunities and upcoming events: https://www.instagram.com/ubcgeogarden/ 

  • Roots on the Roof (UBC Rooftop Garden Club)

    • Roots of the Roof is a student-led club that manages the rooftop garden at the AMS Nest. They raise awareness about where food comes from and encourage community participation in growing it.

    • New volunteers and club members are always welcome. Check out their website for more information: https://blogs.ubc.ca/rootsontheroof/get-involved/ 

    • Visit their Instagram for event information and more ways to get involved: https://www.instagram.com/rootsontheroof/ 

Roots on the Roof

  • The Agronomy Garden

    • Located at the corner of Main Mall and Agronomy Road, this student-run community garden aims to be a model for environmental and social stewardship through plants and food.

    • For updates and meet-up times, check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agronomygarden/ 

    • For more information about volunteering or starting a place-based project, email agronomygarden@gmail.com 

Indigenous Community Gardening

  • Tal’Axin: Maya in Exile Garden (Located at the UBC Farm)

    • This garden serves as a place for cultural sharing and sustaining ancestral Mayan practices. Corn, beans, squash, greens, and other crops are grown, and traditional ceremonies are performed at the start and end of each growing season.

    • Drop-in volunteer sessions occur from June to September each year on Saturdays from 10-1 pm. For volunteer information, check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayagardenubc/ 

UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems - Indigenous Research Partnerships

  • Musqueam Garden (Located at the UBC Farm)

    • Cultivated by members of the Musqueam community, this garden is an opportunity for community members to connect with food, agriculture, and medicine, and participate in youth mentorship.

    • For volunteer information, check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musqueam_grows/ 

  • Fare Farm

    • Located in Metro Vancouver, the Farm Farm Garden Initiative is an Afro-Indigenous centered community farm committed to food justice, sovereignty, and sustainable land practices. The garden is a space for community members to access culturally relevant, nutrient-dense food and connect with the land.

    • Volunteer opportunities are available from May through October. Message them directly to find out more: https://www.instagram.com/farefarms/ 

Additional/Related Volunteer Opportunities

  • The Green Streets Program

    • As a Green Street gardener, one helps grow street gardens around the city by providing year-round care, which includes weeding, pruning, and other maintenance.

    • If interested in volunteering, look for a sign in one of the gardens indicating if it is available to tend.

  • Additionally, volunteer gardeners with the Green Streets program receive:

    • Free compost in spring and fall

    • Advance notification of any plant giveaways

    • A subscription to the Green Streets newsletter

    • An invitation to the autumn Green Streets Garden Party, where the City celebrates the achievements of Green Streets volunteers

    • Access to the expertise of mentor gardeners with the Master Gardeners Association of BC

  • UBC Farm

    • The UBC Farm acts as a research, teaching, and learning space. The farm consists of annual, organically-cultivated crop fields, orchards, Indigenous-led gardens, and more.

    • Two different volunteer programs are offered, with tasks focusing on harvesting and garden maintenance. Volunteers can bring cull vegetables and fruit home after each shift, access a discount at their markets, and receive a free UBC Farm t-shirt.

    • Volunteer program information: https://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/volunteer-program/ 

    • The UBC Farm also offers community workshops on topics such as gardening, beekeeping, foraging, and other sustainable lifestyle skills. The 2025 workshops will be posted soon. Check out this link for more information: https://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/workshops/ 

  • Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks

    • The Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks are community organizations dedicated to promoting food security in neighborhoods across Vancouver. 

    • More specifically, Neighbourhood Food Networks work to do the following:

      • Break down barriers that prevent people from accessing nutrient-rich, affordable, and personally acceptable food

      • Share knowledge and resources at every level of the food system through community-based education, advocacy, and research

      • Build food literacy by hosting workshops, community kitchens, lectures, films, and discussions

      • Amplify and empower the voices of underrepresented communities in the local food system

    • Volunteer opportunities are available for specific neighborhoods across Vancouver: https://vancouverfoodnetworks.com/volunteer/ 

Happy gardening!!

Sources:

  • Community Gardens and orchards. City of Vancouver. (n.d.). https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/community-gardens.aspx 

  • Poulsen, M. N., Hulland, K. R., Gulas, C. A., Pham, H., Dalglish, S. L., Wilkinson, R. K., & Winch, P. J. (2014). Growing an urban oasis: A Qualitative Study of the Perceived Benefits of Community Gardening in Baltimore, Maryland. Culture, Agriculture, Food and Environment, 36(2), 69–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/cuag.12035

  • Tracey, D., Gray, T., Manohar, N., Kingsley, J., Bailey, A., & Pettitt, P. (2023). Identifying key benefits and characteristics of community gardening for vulnerable populations: A systematic review. Health & Social Care in the Community, 2023, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5570089 

Emma Calder
Next

A Green Guide: Resources at UBC to Explore Sustainability