Medicine Learning Garden

Welcome to the Medicine Learning Garden at Beaty Branch

The Medicine Learning Garden at Milton Public Library’s Beaty Branch celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things while centering Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants, and medicines. Guided by Indigenous partners, this vibrant outdoor space is filled with pollinator-friendly plants native to Ontario. It serves as a serene and educational extension of the library, welcoming patrons of all ages.

Visitors can enjoy the sight of our hardworking Beaty Bees in the on-site hives, experience story walks woven through the garden, and explore Indigenous teachings about the Creator’s gifts found on Turtle Island. The garden opens each May, symbolizing renewal and growth, and closes in October, encouraging reflection on the harvest season and the cycle of life. The garden is located at the back of the branch and is open to the public.

The Medicine Learning Garden was established with funding from the Government of Canada and in collaboration with Miinikaan and Grandmother’s Voice. Its growth and success are sustained through continued consultation and partnership with Indigenous community members.

Plants and Their Uses

The Medicine Learning Garden at Beaty Branch is home to a diverse selection of pollinator-friendly and medicinal plants native to Ontario. These plants reflect Indigenous teachings and their traditional uses for nourishment, ceremony, and healing. Here are some of the plants you’ll find:

• Sage: A sacred medicine used in smudging ceremonies for purification, spiritual healing, and cleansing negative energy.
• Sweet Grass: Often referred to as the “hair of Mother Earth,” it is braided and burned for ceremonies, symbolizing kindness, peace, and healing.
• Three Sisters (Corn, Beans, Squash): These plants are traditionally grown together, representing the harmony of growth and nourishment. Corn provides structure, beans enrich the soil, and squash offers ground cover, symbolizing interdependence.
• Strawberries: Known as the “heart berry,” strawberries are significant in ceremonies and teachings, representing love, healing, and connection to the land.

Below is a detailed list of all the plants that can be found in the garden.

This diverse collection of plants not only supports local pollinators like bees but also serves as a living library of knowledge, inviting visitors to learn about the interconnectedness of land, plants, and culture

Learn More about Indigenous Gardens

Programs at the Medicine Learning Garden

The Medicine Learning Garden is more than just a peaceful retreat; it’s an outdoor classroom and a hub for dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities. Through its seasonal programming, the garden provides visitors of all ages with a chance to deepen their connection to the land, learn about Indigenous teachings, and engage in sustainable practices.

Volunteer at the Medicine Learning Garden and contribute to a meaningful community project. Under the guidance of a skilled lead gardener, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening practices, connect with others, and support the cultivation of this vibrant and culturally significant space.

See our Programming Page for more details.

Educational Programs and Workshops

Some of the engaging programs conducted in the garden include:

Check out our Programming Page for upcoming events and workshops in the Medicine Learning Garden.

Volunteer in the Garden

The Medicine Learning Garden thrives on the care and dedication of its volunteers. Volunteering in the garden is an opportunity to contribute to the health and beauty of this community space while gaining valuable knowledge about Indigenous plants and sustainable gardening practices.

Why Volunteer?

• Learn by Doing: Volunteers receive hands-on experience in planting, maintaining, and harvesting garden spaces.
• Support Pollinators: Help create and care for habitats that sustain bees and other pollinators.
• Build Community: Join a team of passionate individuals committed to environmental stewardship and cross-cultural learning.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to planting, there’s a role for everyone in the garden.

How to Volunteer:

• To get involved, visit the library’s information desk, contact us via our website, or watch for upcoming volunteer days on the Programming Page.

Beaty Hives: Our Busy Pollinators

The Beaty Hives are a cornerstone of the Medicine Learning Garden, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the essential role of bees in our ecosystem.

Partnership with Humble Bee

In collaboration with Humble Bee, a full-service apiary, MPL provides:

• STEAM-Based Learning Experiences: Programs that delve into the science and art of beekeeping, pollinator habits, and the importance of sustainability.
• Bee Observation Opportunities: Visitors can observe the busy bees at work during warmer months, gaining insights into their behaviors and the colony’s dynamics.

Beaty Honey

Patrons can support the Beaty Hives by purchasing Beaty Honey, available at all MPL branches while supplies last. Produced sustainably, the honey represents a sweet reward for supporting local pollinators.

The Medicine Learning Garden is deeply tied to Milton Public Library’s mission of fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation. By honoring Indigenous teachings and creating spaces for community learning, the garden represents MPL’s dedication to sustainability and inclusivity.