The Learning Gardens invites you to explore your connection to food production through gardening
Embark Sustainability’s
Learning Gardens
Embark Sustainability operates four Learning Gardens at Simon Fraser University. This includes three outdoor raised-bed Learning Gardens on SFU Burnaby and Surrey campuses, as well as an indoor vertical garden inside SFU Surrey.
These gardens give our members space to explore food production in our communities and uncover their personal and cultural connections to food justice. Check to see if there’s an upcoming Learning Garden event or workshop on our events page.
Apply to join our Learning Garden Cohort
Learning Garden Cohort Members play an integral role in the operation of our Learning Gardens across SFU campuses. This is THE opportunity if you’re ready to learn about growing local organic produce, develop gardening skills, meet people interested in gardening. Each garden session starts with knowledge sharing from our Gardens Manager, followed by hands-on garden care.
The last day to apply is September 8th.
ARE YOU READY TO START GROWING YOUR OWN PRODUCE?
Rent a Plot
We have limited plots available for rent in our Learning Gardens.
Please fill out our form to request a plot:
Learning Gardens
Get to know our gardens
BURNABY LEARNING GARDEN
SUB LEARNING GARDEN
SURREY LEARNING GARDEN
CENTRAL CITY LEARNING GARDEN
Interested in joining our Learning Garden Cohort?
A SPACE TO GROW
Burnaby Learning Garden
The Burnaby Learning Garden is located on the south side of TASC1 (find a map here). This garden is a community-centred learning, social and event space, where our members will learn how to grow, eat, and share campus-grown food all while making SFU Burnaby more sustainable. Each season, garden beds are rented to students and student groups who cultivate their own plots.
Burnaby Learning Garden is supported in part by:
Simon Fraser University, SFU Dining Services, SFU Parking Services
COMMUNITY-CENTRED LEARNING
Student Union Building Learning Garden
The Student Union Building [SUB] Learning Garden was established in April 2021 in conjunction with the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS). The SUB Learning Garden consists of 18 metal raised beds, a storage box, and a compost bin. The garden is located on the south side of the Student Union Building on the 3000 level roof deck. The garden is open to student groups such as clubs, departmental student unions, and graduate caucuses.
SPARKING DIALOGUE
Surrey Learning Garden
The Surrey Learning Garden is a collection of vertical garden beds located at the southwest corner of Podium 3, between sections 340-C and 341-T. This garden is meant to spark dialogue around food justice, food systems, and food security in our rapidly changing community.
Surrey Learning Garden is supported in part by:
Simon Fraser University, SFU Surrey Campus, SFU Surrey Facilities Services
MAKING SFU SURREY MORE SUSTAINABLE
Central City Learning Garden
The Central City Learning Garden is located on the P3 parking level of Central City behind the SFU Surrey campus in Surrey City Centre. This community-centred learning, social, and event space is operated by Embark Sustainability Society in conjunction with SFU Surrey and Central City. Learning opportunities for Embark members, SFU students, faculty, and the general public will be provided at the garden throughout the upcoming year via classes, events, and workshops.
Central City Learning Garden is supported in part by:
Simon Fraser University, SFU Surrey Campus, Blackwood Partners, SFU Surrey-TD Community Engagement Centre
Embark Sustainability’s Learning Garden resource Library
Everything you need to get started
Burnaby Learning Garden Code of Conduct
Central City Learning Garden Code of Conduct
SUB Learning Garden Code of Conduct
Learning Gardens FAQ’s
When can I register for a garden plot?
Anytime! All initial signups/renewals are added to the registration waitlist, and contacted by Embark Sustainability’s Gardens Manager for further onboarding. Our garden plot rental agreement is for 1 year at a time, February 1st to January 31st the following year and must be renewed annually.
Am I able to have more than one garden plot?
How much does it cost to rent a garden plot?
Can I pay with cash?
Is this an organic garden?
Do I need any equipment?
Since the gardening takes place in raised beds, the need for equipment is minimal. Embark Sustainability provides a few common tools to be used responsibly, and we recommend gardeners have the following tools:
- Gardening gloves
- Hand trowel
- A pair of scissors
Can I plant flowers and/or berry bushes?
No. Planting non-fruit-bearing shrubs in garden plots is prohibited. Bay rosemary, lavender and sage overtake the plot as they mature.
Fruit-bearing shrubs such as blackberries, raspberries, goji berry and blueberries are not permitted. However, we permit strawberries, edible flowers, and flowering non-invasive herbs that favor pollinators.
Can I plant perennial herbs?
No. Planting perennial herbs in garden plots is prohibited. Herbs such as hyssop, calendula, lemon balm, mint, catnip, and tarragon are invasive and will overtake the garden plot.
Garden plot termination
Embark Sustainability can terminate a renters’ garden plot rental agreement due to the following:
- Failing to start cultivating the garden plot by April 1st of the current rent cycle (e.g. April 1st, 2024 for the rent cycle February 1st, 2024 to January 31st, 2025).
- Allowing garden plots to stand uncultivated (bare or overgrown) for more than two (2) consecutive weeks during any point in the growing season. It is expected that plots are frequently harvested and replanted.
- Allowing garden plots to become overgrown with spent crops or weeds at any point during the growing season.
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