Come and help in our garden and learn about producing your own food on Denman Island, Canada

  • Favourited 112 times
  • Last activity: 6 Apr 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Details

  • Description

    Description

    My partner Alan and I are passionate about growing our own food as well as providing it to other islanders. This is a very agricultural island and I spent 10 years on the Board of the DI Growers & Producers Alliance. Their motto is Denman Feeding Denman. I believe the climate crisis and the current war and food shortages make it essential that people know how to grow food. I love to educate people about how they can feed themselves. If you want to learn how to start seeds, how to plant and grow vegetables it is best to come in Spring (March-May). We have five acres of gardens (food and flowers) and are surrounded by trees. It is peaceful and quiet. The island is home to lots of artists and artisans and there are some lovely walks and bike routes.
    Unfortunately, we can't accept pets as we have cats and they aren't comfortable around dogs.
    I am immunosupressed so have to be careful. We need helpers to be fully vaccinated.
    We are coming to the end of the 2022 gardening season so won't be having anymore helpers until Spring, 2023

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We have lots of artisans, painters, potters, weavers and a vibrant community. Alan and I are both ex-Brits now Canadians who are well-travelled and love to engage in discussions over dinners on the deck.

  • Help

    Help

    In Spring we need help seeding, transplanting and planting in the raised garden beds, watering, and general garden maintenance. We do not use chemicals or anything toxic. We make our own soil and compost. There are three greenhouses.
    In season, we mostly eat our own and island produce that is organically grown. We welcome people who enjoy physical labour and who like to learn new skills. You don't need a lot of gardening/growing experience we can show you. We enjoy it when helpers cook their favourite meal for us. We like to know if you have food preferences before you arrive and will meet you off the ferry at Buckley Bay.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner
    French: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Our guests stay in the house in a large room overlooking the garden. There is wifi.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We are close to the ferry to Hornby Island which is a very touristy island with gorgeous beaches (ours are rocky). There is a bicycle for getting around. You can hike/walk the trails, watch the wildlife, swim in the ocean, get a tan, play pickleball and other games at the Denman Activity Centre. There is a summer bus that goes around the island.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 123114379321

Feedback (2)


Photos

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile: (5.0)

Cultural exchange: (5.0)

Communication: (5.0)