Skip to Content

  • Happy Holidays! Please note that our office will be open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM on December 24 and December 31

Gardengate Horticulture Program

Personal and community wellness go hand in hand. That’s why our Gardengate Horticulture Program was designed with both in mind

    • Cards,

      • We Open Doors to:

        ,
        • ,

          Enhance personal and community wellness

          ,

          Gardengate is a pioneering horticulture initiative situated on a scenic 2.8 acre farm in Kamloops. Our mission is to promote wellness, skills development, and food security for individuals with a mental health condition.

        • ,

          Provide a safe space for healing and recovery

          ,

          We foster a safe & inclusive environment for participants to develop their physical and mental health while building valuable skills. Through horticultural activities, individuals can gain self-confidence, enhance employment prospects, and find a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

        • ,

          Grow and harvest food to give back to the community

          ,

          Our program enhances social connections and a sense of community for participants. We promote sustainable food practices and provide guidance on growing organic produce, empowering participants to cultivate and harvest their own food and contribute to Kamloops' food security.

    • Grey Box - 1 Column,

      • Gardengate: Celebrating 25 Years of Cultivating Wellness, Sustainability, and Community Impact

        For 25 Years, Gardengate has been a vital part of the Kamloops community, empowering over 1,500 individuals on their mental health journeys and cultivating a sense of well-being. Together with our dedicated team, participants, and volunteers, we have proudly contributed an average of 18,000 pounds of fresh produce annually to support local food security. 2025 marks a significant milestone- Join us in celebrating 25 years of Gardengate with exciting activities and events throughout the year.

        Join Our 25th Anniversary

    • Blog,

      • Who Services are for

        ,
        • ,

          Participants

          Gardengate is a space of healing and recovery for individuals living with addictions or mental health conditions. Through activities in the garden, we’ll support you to work towards personal goals such as healthy eating, active living, or vocational training.  Build skills and confidence as you grow and harvest food for yourself, and for the Kamloops community.

          Join our program if you:

          • Have an addiction, or a mental health condition, and 
          • Are interested in gardening activities
        • ,

          Volunteers

          Join the Gardengate Horticulture Program as a volunteer and help promote wellness, sustainability, and community engagement! Gardengate empowers individuals with mental health diagnoses to cultivate their physical and mental well-being while also promoting sustainable food practices and contributing to Kamloops' food security. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside our participants in a safe and inclusive environment, building meaningful relationships and gaining valuable horticulture skills. Join us today in making a positive impact in our community!

          Volunteer for our program if you:

          • Are interested in volunteering
          • Are interested in gardening
          • Are interested in supporting other program activities

          Submit the Vounteer Inquiry Form

          View our Gardengate Volunteer Agreement

    • Grey Box - 2 Columns,

      • Ready to Get Started?

        ,

        Interested in joining our Gardengate program? Contact us to schedule a 20-minute tour to view our garden in-person by appointment. You can reach us via phone or email, or ask someone to arrange a tour on your behalf. If you're interested in joining our program after the tour, we'll provide you with the necessary paperwork to complete on your own or with the help of someone else. Once you've completed the paperwork, give us a call to schedule your first 3-hour shift. We'll work with you to find a day and time that's convenient for you. Shifts start at either 9 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

        ,

        Contact us at 250-554-9453 for more info or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    • Video,

      Open Door Group's Gardengate Learning Centre


      Play the video

      Download video transcripts

    • Testimonials,

      What Our Clients are Saying

      • I’ve learned how to use power tools, how to work as part of a team, cooking skills, communication skills, how to make things grow, cash handling and cash register usage during plant sales, driving a tractor, getting in better physical shape, self-confidence, and how to safely deal with frustration, G.D, Open Door Group - Gardengate Volunteer & Program Participant
    • Stats,

      • Our Impact

        ,
        • ,

          18,000 lbs

          ,

          of fresh produce grown yearly, supporting food sustainability in Kamloops.

        • ,

          50 +

          ,

          participants supported annually through mental health and recovery program.

        • ,

          20 +

          ,

          local volunteers participated annually.

    • Feedback,

      We Want to Hear from You

      We value your input as a current or past participant in our Gardengate Program. Please share your feedback with us to help improve our services and better meet your needs. Thank you for helping us to serve you better.

      Fill our feedback form

    • Contact,

      Contact Us

      915 Southhill Street
      Kamloops, BC V2B 7Z9
      T: 250-554-9453
      F: 250-554-9402

    • Funders,

      Our Funders & Partners

      Gardengate

      Interior Health

      Kamloops Food Policy Council