Alberta Parenting for the Future's Growing the Family Garden

Located at: Parkland County Demonstration Farm, 5413 - 51 Street, Stony Plain, AB
Plot Number: 44 children’s plots & 22 adult plots
Plot Size: 2’x 2’ childrens; 4’x 15’ adults
Total Garden Size: 4600 sq. ft.
Gardening Style: Raised – biointensive
Number of Participants: 24 families (2007)
Fee: none

Vision Statement:

Dedicated to strengthening the relationship between parents and children of all ages and of all cultures. We believe that together, we can build a community in which all of our children and youth, and all of our women and men, are safe, cared for, accepted and valued.

Alberta Parenting for the Future's Family Garden is a place where families can come together to learn to grow flowers, fruit, or vegetables.  It's a great place to meet new people and partner with friends and neighbours.  Through hands on activities, adults and children learn about nature and gardening.  This Garden has been specially designed to teach families how to sow and reap the benefits of growing together.  An important part of our Garden is the Children's Program.  While parents and adults work in the garden, children have time together to play, do activities that teach them about nature and the environment, and have fun together!  Children make worm farms, plant their own special gardens, and grow sunflowers everywhere.  Alberta Parenting for the Future Family Garden is based on a philosophy that programs are most effective when utilizing a family centred approach.  Our Garden participants are primarily families with a strong involvement of the entire family.  Programming is based upon planning goals, nurturing, growth, and harvesting the fruits of labour and love - whether it be family or garden goals.  The Garden operates an evening group and a morning group, both meeting once a week.  During that time children spend half their time in the Children's program, apart from the adults.  The remaining group time is spent with parents and children working together, in the Garden.