GIFT OF LIFE GARDEN / SHKI GTIGAN BIMAADZIWIN

OUR NEWGARDEN HOME PAGE GIFT OF LIFE GARDEN / SHKI GTIGAN BIMAADZIWIN OUR CHARITY B.B.Q EVENT 2007 GARDEN MEET AND GREET 2007 PHOTOS & WEEKLY UPDATES THE GARDEN GUEST BOOK VISTORS OF SHKI GTIGAN BIMAADZIWIN OUR COMMUNTIY GARDEN PHOTO'S GARDEN BEAUTY GARDEN MEMORIES GARDEN CLUB 2008 GARDEN MIRACLES LOOKING BACK BATTLE OF HOPE FOOD FOR ALL

About Us

The Gift of Life Garden is a collaborative project of four friends committed to helping the people of Simcoe County who, through circumstances beyond their control, struggle with day-to-day realities of life lived below the poverty line.

Gift of Life Garden, is situated on acrage that was once the site of a Huron village. Also known by its Ojibwe name, Shki Gtigan Bimaadziwin, the Garden measures approximately 100 feet by 110 feet..

In 2006, the first year of operation, the fertile soil, bathed in the summer sunshine, and washed by the rain, produced a bountiful harvest of vegetables.

Organically grown beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions, beets, and potatoes, as well as scores of squashes and cucumbers were given to people in need of help to feed themselves and their families.

This year, with the support of our lead agency, Community Link North Simcoe, and our other sponsors, we hope to again, be able to get fresh, organically grown produce to the tables of people who need it most.

Mission Statement: The Gift of Life Garden, Shki Gtegan Bimaadziwin, aims to achieve the following through a therapeutic, wellness-focussed approach.

We seek:

1. to strengthen bonds within the community of participants by providing a welcoming, respectful social setting in which to connect with one another.

2. to provide fresh nutritious, organically grown produce to all participants.

3.to provide education in food production, preparation, safety and storage.

We thank our sponsors who have contributed so generously to the success of the Project:

*Community Link North Simcoe

*Earth Power Tractor and Equipment

*Georgian Bay Golf Club Superintendents' Association

*McGill Environmental Resource Inc.

*Simcoe County Nutrition Task Group

Bimaadziwin is Part of a BIG Story !

Until nearly a century ago, eagles lived and nested in the Lake Couchiching area. Early in the 20th Century, they disappeared.

The Mnjikaning Elders have since held that the eagles left because Mnjikaning People had lost their way.

They were advised to look for the signs ... When People of other descent would come to the Mnjikaning for advice, and when the eagles would return, then they would know that they would be on the road to healing, and that they would be taking their rightful place in the Family of Humanity.

This winter, I was pleased to consult with the Language Keeper at Rama, to ask help in selecting a name for our Garden... a name that honoured the Aboriginal history of the land.

This spring, eagles have been sited on the shores of Lake Couchiching.

The Four Friends welcome and honour the hope that the future holds for our Native friends and neighbours, and we are delighted to be a part of it.

Miigwech .

Look for the eagle on our posters !

What's New In The Garden / Let's Find Out

Interesting How Pictures Speak For Them Selves

CHECK OUT MY PHOTOS AREA

We Continually Give You A Vision Of Life In The Garden
Come >>> Look For Pictures - - See The Garden Visitors New Photo Album

Check Out Our Chairty B.B.Q & Our Meet & Greet Section

See Some Of The HERBS Are looking awesome!

Now Available On The Site

COMMEMORATIVE APPLE TREE ... Growing Beautifully

Our strawberries are Heaven sent !!!B

COME GROW WITH US & HAVE FUN

MORE THAN JUST A GARDEN!

Learn With Fresh Ideas In Preparing Good Food

And You Can Pass It To Your Friends

New Recipes Now That's The Real Gift Of Life

Carin' & Sharin'

Is What We Are All About & Giving Back To The Community

We Now Update Our Site Weekly

You Can Tell Friends

How To Start Their Own Little Gardens

Grow With Us & Learn

We Are So Pleased That The Community Of Simcoe County Is Willing To Learn And Grow With Us In The Great Opportunity To Pass On The Knowledge Of How Gardening Is So Important To Everyone. And Yes We All Do Benefit From This Unique Chance To Be A Part Of A Very Caring Community & In The Earth Movement. Global Warming Is Effecting Us All We All Need To Do Our Part. Here At SHKI GTIGAN BIMAADZIWIN We Care A Great Deal, And Want To Thank All You Who Have Shown Interest Also. Planting New Things To Grow Is A Way You Can Be A Part Of The Gift Of Life, So Join Us On The Road To Recovery MANKIND Is Here To Stay Let's Make The Best Of It While We Are Here..BigD

What A Difference

GROUND BREAKING The Ground Has Been Dug And Turned Over With The New Rototiller. So Much Is Taking Place This Past Week, We Are On A Roll And Things Are Ready To Be Planted Now. Our Team Is Eager To Start Seeding. More news Coming Soon..

HERBS Last Year's Herbs Are Sprouting Up And Looking Really Good, We Are Getting Prepared To Plant More This Year. We Have Been Asked To Supply The Barrie Good Food Box With Our Wonderful Herbs. Last Year Was The First Crop And They Have Made Our Soups And Salads A Blast.

APPLE TREE Apple Tree Has Been Planted And You Should See The Buds, How They Are Already Bursting With Colour And Growth, It Is Nestled In Some New Wood Chips And Full Of Beautiful Compost From Last Year's Garden, As Well As Some Good Strong Rich Soil.

STRAWBERRIES Coming Through The Straw Laid Over Them For The Winter Months, YES Our Strawberries Are Doing Well. Greenery Is Showing In The Garden Already...

Look For Pics Of Our Fun Days in The Garden...

Check Back Now >>>

Love To Hear From Our Viewers What Did You Think Of The Garden?

SEEDS ARE HERE / PLANTING BEGUN > MAY

Last Fall we planted 150 strawberry plants

LET US KNOW HOW WE'RE DOING sign our GUEST BOOK

Garden Updates: Rototiller & Lawnmower now have a new tool-shed to keep them covered through the winter months!

WANNA GET THOSE HANDS INTO OUR SOIL, JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE!

CLICK HERE: Questions for the Garden Coordinator.