Open Door Group's Gardengate Horticulture Program

06/10/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to learn about the rich cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis who have lived on this land since time immemorial. Take some time this month to learn, reflect, and find out how you can participate.

Visit the Government of Canada's website about National Indigenous History Month to learn more:
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemori...

06/10/2026

We take our harvesting very seriously. Each harvest is picked carefully and handled with kindness. This week’s harvest includes sui choy, lettuce, kale, spinach, and swiss chard. Stay calm and eat your greens!



Image description: A person wearing a green t-shirt holding a head of sui choy. Yellow and red bins holding leafy greens sit on a table in front of them.

06/04/2026

Meet the team!

We’d like to introduce you to Mia (she/her), our Program Assistant! Mia was with us back in the fall while she was completing her practicum for her Human Services Diploma. Gardengate is excited to have Mia on the team as a full-time employee for the summer.

Favourite vegetable to eat?
Mia is team potato! She says, “mashed, baked or deep fried, I just love potatoes!”

Fun fact:
Mia loves to crochet, and her most recent project was a blanket. She has been trying to teach her grandma how to crochet!

Favourite thing about working at Gardengate?
Mia shares that she “loves working at Gardengate because of the people and community. The staff and volunteers all make it such a special place.”

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Mia enjoys doing anything outside as well as biking, fishing, and playing guitar!

Favourite joke?
What did the big flower say to the little flower? "Hey, bud!"

Image description: Person wearing a green apron stands inside a greenhouse surrounded by trays of young plants and seedlings.

06/03/2026

Happy Pride month! This June, we celebrate the history, strength, and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Gardengate is a place where visibility, inclusion and equality matters. You are seen, you are respected and you are celebrated!



Image description: Colorful rainbow arch over a variety of fresh vegetables including peppers, squash, and leafy greens on a green background.

06/01/2026

Some more photos from our May Plant Sales! Shoutout to the talented .studio for these incredible photos and the wonderful folks in our community who supported our sales this year!



Image description 1: People tending to plants and flowers in a community garden under leafy trees on a sunny day.

Image description 2: People gathered outdoors at a plant sale with mountains in the background.

Image description 3: Close-up of vibrant purple flowers blooming in a sunlit greenhouse with green plants in the background.

Image description 4: People gathered outdoors near a garden with blooming purple flowers and large leafy trees on a sunny day.

Image description 5: Two people tending to seedlings inside a large greenhouse filled with rows of young plants under a translucent roof

05/27/2026

It is fawning season from Mid-May until the end of June! These babies were discovered by our staff in our field. We left them alone, and a couple of hours later, the mother returned, and off they went.

Here is some information from BC Gov on leaving newborn wildlife in the wild.

-It is normal for mother deer to leave their young alone for long periods of time and only return a few times a day to nurse.
-Newborn deer lack of scent protects them from predators.
-Newborn deer should not be touched or moved when encountered!
-"Rescuing" a fawn or calf is rarely necessary and, in most cases, causes more harm than good.
-Returning mothers that find humans or pets nearby may leave or can become aggressive to defend their offspring. The mother will return if the young are left alone.

Tips:
-If you come across a fawn or calf, leave it alone and leave the area.
-Do not touch or feed the animal.
-If you think the fawn or calf is not being cared for by its mother, return the next day to check. If it is in the exact same spot, it may be injured or orphaned. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Image description 1: A young fawn curled up and resting quietly among dense green bushes on a sandy patch of ground.

Image description 2: Three deer, including a mother and two fawns, rest in a green field bordered by a chain-link fence and houses.

05/20/2026

Our team at Gardengate would like to thank each and every one of you who came out to our plant sales over the last two weekends. We saw over 400 people walk into our greenhouse and over 3700 plants sold. This community is truly special!

All proceeds from the plant sale are reinvested directly into the Gardengate horticulture program. These funds support program operations, including tools, supplies, and improvements to learning and growing spaces that support participant training and development. The Gardengate Plant Sale continues to reflect the program’s purpose: growing food, growing skills, and growing opportunity.

Special shout-out to the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners who joined us and shared their knowledge about all things gardening at our sales!

05/15/2026

FINAL PLANT SALE ALERT!

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, May 16th, from 9:00AM-1:00PM at our greenhouse for our final day of plant sales. Every plant has been nurtured and cared for by Gardengate volunteers and staff. We have a feeling that these plants will look stunning in your garden.

Money raised will go directly back into our programming to support our volunteers wellness and food security in our community. See you tomorrow and happy planting!

Image description 1: A person holds a plant inside a greenhose with rows of seedlings and a decorative 'FLOWERS' sign hanging above.

Image description 2: Rows of young potted green plants inside a greenhouse.

05/15/2026

Gardengate will be closed on Monday, May 18th, 2026 for Victoria Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 19th. Enjoy the long weekend!

Image description: Bright orange flower with green leaves and a notice about Gardengate closing on May 18th, 2026.