Our Grandmothers’ Garden
P’hwulhp (Garry Oak) Restoration Project
Our Grandmother’s Garden is a native food garden is that is creating a safe, accessible space for Indigenous and non-indigenous folks to learn about, participate in, and support First Nations food sovereignty and security
Our Grandmother’s Garden
The name of this garden is meant to honour the matriarchs before us, those present and our matriarchs of the future. Garry Oak and camas meadows were traditionally taken care of by our life givers and we honour that tradition for our ancestors.
Stqeeye’ Learning Society would like to invite you to witness the beauty and rarity of Garry Oak ecosystems while also supporting Xwaaqw’um village restoration efforts.
History of P’hwulhp ecosystems
Quw’utsun Peoples and First Nations across southern and central Vancouver Island have relied on Garry Oak ecosystems for thousands of years. Garry Oak meadows contain an abundance unlike any other ecosystem in coastal British Columbia. Many of our staple foods originate from these diverse ecosystems such as: Speenhw (Camas), Balsamroot, nodding onion, hooker’s onion, chocolate lily, tiger lily and acorns to name a few.
Recent updates
Next steps
Fencing: 50 square meter fencing has been established around the Grandmother Garry Oak that stands alone in one of the decommissioned agricultural fields within the Xwaaqw’um village. The purpose of the fence is to prevent deer from browsing the native species that we are trying to restore.
Plot creation: The purpose of the 4x4m plots is to create an opportunity to observe different methods of invasive species removal and the success rate of different methods of mulching.
Hot composting: We are currently in the process of vigorously researching hot composting and also in the process of having a hot composting bin constructed for the garden. Hot composting has many benefits such as reduced waste.
Seasonal images to monitor progress
Get involved with P’hwulhp Restoration Project
If you would like to get involved, please fill out the form below explaining why would you like to be involved.
