Located at the Concordia University Loyola Gardens (NDG), thriving]in[between is an experimental youth garden and research project for youth aged 14 - 17. Launched in the spring of 2025, thriving]in[between operates through partnerships with other local community organizations that seek to support youth engagement and learning through experience for underrepresented teenagers who may experience barriers to green initiatives. Through weekly hands-on gardening sessions, participants build skills, confidence, and connection while exploring urban gardening in a supportive, community-led environment. It offers everyone the chance to reconnect with the land, with each other, and with new ways of learning and growing.
What is thriving]in[between?
Thriving in between is a free summer workshop series for youth aged 14–17, who are interested in gardening, the science of nature, and creative expression. Through weekly hands-on gardening sessions, attendees will build skills, confidence, and community while exploring urban gardening in a supportive environment. It's a chance to connect with green spaces, with each other, and with new ways of learning and growing.
Thriving in between is a free summer workshop series for youth aged 14–17, who are interested in gardening, the science of nature, and creative expression. Through weekly hands-on gardening sessions, attendees will build skills, confidence, and community while exploring urban gardening in a supportive environment. It's a chance to connect with green spaces, with each other, and with new ways of learning and growing.
Who is this for?
These workshops are for any youth (14 - 17 years old) who are interested in learning more about how to care for green spaces, the science behind growing food, and how creative exploration can improve your ability to learn new things (or maybe you just like to draw, that's cool too - we will have a variety of fine art supplies available). You do not need to have any gardening or nature based experience, we can show you the ropes. Thriving in between is a safe space for all youth of diverse experiences -- bullying, harassment, and discriminatory language will not be tolerated on site.
These workshops are for any youth (14 - 17 years old) who are interested in learning more about how to care for green spaces, the science behind growing food, and how creative exploration can improve your ability to learn new things (or maybe you just like to draw, that's cool too - we will have a variety of fine art supplies available). You do not need to have any gardening or nature based experience, we can show you the ropes. Thriving in between is a safe space for all youth of diverse experiences -- bullying, harassment, and discriminatory language will not be tolerated on site.
How are the workshops run?
Every Thursday we will have scheduled workshops that alternate. July 3rd, 17th, 31st, and Aug 14th, there will be a guest speaker who will show you one specific aspect of gardening that we will practice for the afternoon. On the other weeks (July 10th, 24th, Aug 7th and 21st) we will tend to our own garden using the skills that we have learned, to grow our own vegetables.
Every Thursday we will have scheduled workshops that alternate. July 3rd, 17th, 31st, and Aug 14th, there will be a guest speaker who will show you one specific aspect of gardening that we will practice for the afternoon. On the other weeks (July 10th, 24th, Aug 7th and 21st) we will tend to our own garden using the skills that we have learned, to grow our own vegetables.
What happens to the vegetables?
You get to take them home! We don't know when the harvest days will be, which is why we encourage everyone to show up somewhat regularly. If you are a regular attendee and you miss a day, you can reach out for a "drop-in" with our staff to pick up a vegetable harvest. We have tomatoes, cucumbers, tomatillos, pumpkins, melons and more lined up. Please note that no attendee is permitted on campus outside of workshops and drop-in hours.
You get to take them home! We don't know when the harvest days will be, which is why we encourage everyone to show up somewhat regularly. If you are a regular attendee and you miss a day, you can reach out for a "drop-in" with our staff to pick up a vegetable harvest. We have tomatoes, cucumbers, tomatillos, pumpkins, melons and more lined up. Please note that no attendee is permitted on campus outside of workshops and drop-in hours.
Where is it located?
All workshops will be located on Concordia Universities Loyola Campus.. Staff will be waiting in front of the building on the first day and will set up a regular meeting spot for future days.
Bus lines 105, 162, 51 & 90 stop in front of the university
Bus lines 123, 102, 104, 138, 103 & 66 stop within a 10m walk of the university
All workshops will be located on Concordia Universities Loyola Campus.. Staff will be waiting in front of the building on the first day and will set up a regular meeting spot for future days.
Bus lines 105, 162, 51 & 90 stop in front of the university
Bus lines 123, 102, 104, 138, 103 & 66 stop within a 10m walk of the university
What do I need to bring?
We will be working outside in the dirt, you should bring comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. We will have sunscreen on site, but bring some just in case. A hat, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks.
We will provide gloves and tools.
We will be working outside in the dirt, you should bring comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. We will have sunscreen on site, but bring some just in case. A hat, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks.
We will provide gloves and tools.
We recognize that the gardens at Loyola Farm and Concordia University are situated on unceded Indigenous lands. We honor and express our gratitude to the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, acknowledged as the custodians of the lands and waters of Tiohtià:ke, also known as Montreal. This area has historically served as a gathering place for various Indigenous nations, including the Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg peoples. We are thankful for the enduring stewardship of these communities, both past and present.