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Representatives of The Gathering Place say that their new community shared garden is more than just a garden — it’s a place of hope.
The Hopeful Garden, located on the corner of Barnes Road and Barnes Place, is a fully accessible greenspace for guests of the Gathering Place and the surrounding area to enjoy the outdoors and learn gardening and horticultural skills.
The Gathering Place is a St. John’s-based non-profit organization that provides support to vulnerable and unhoused populations.
Executive director Colin McNeil said that help comes in many forms and connecting through nature is just one — which is where the vision for the garden comes from.
“A place of growth, a place of learning, a place of spiritual renewal and connection,” said McNeil. “In a couple of words, a sanctuary.”
WATCH | Gardening project builds skills — and community:
This gardening project is growing skills — and community — at The Gathering Place
At The Gathering Place in St. John’s, a new gardening project is helping people learn new skills. As the CBC’s Katherine Crummey reports, it’s also bringing neighbours together.
Guests of the garden can expect to see structured programming, according to Andrew Holm, manager of strategic partnerships for the Gathering Place. But he says that at the heart of that programming is about teaching those who rely on the Gathering Place that they have skills, and can give back.
“Quite often, guests don’t know what they are capable of,” said Holm.
Holm says while they have staff to run programming, as they further develop it volunteers will be needed. His hope is people will be willing to work alongside guests, share their skills and provide mentorship as well.
“A little bit of brightness in their world goes a long way,” said Holm.
He added that The Gathering Place is also looking for experienced partners to help with program planning.