In 2013, the Friends of the Gardens initiated a Pilot School Vegetable Growing Project based on the Intergenerational Landed Learning (ILL) Program set up at UBC farms over a decade ago. As of 2019, We enjoyed another successful season with 3 Middle School classes.

The year begins with a workshop for our volunteers. They learn what to expect of the program, followed by a question and answer period and tour of the Gardens. Working with the students begins in April and ends in September.  Approximately 75 students plus teachers, teacher assistants and parents join FOG volunteers for 5 sessions, learning about soil, seeds, growing variables, and harvesting.  Together they plant, grow, harvest and eat a wide variety of vegetables and small fruits. They also learn about the role of pollinators and other beneficial insects, and touch on issues such as food security and water conservation.

A highlight is the June harvest lunch, a delectable salad prepared by the students and adults and accompanied by a bread tray donated by True Grains Bakery. In September, the students and volunteers return for a final harvest and clean up of the beds.