Wellness can take root in many ways—and sometimes, it starts with a garden. Through our Wellness Grant Program, we support projects that nurture healthier lifestyles and learning environments. One beautiful example is Montague Consolidated School’s Wellness Gardens initiative, which is transforming school grounds into spaces of healing, learning, and connection.

This project is designed to support emotional, social, cultural, and environmental well-being. With the creation of a Medicine Wheel garden and a Sensory/Meditation Garden, students and teachers are working together to build spaces that promote mindfulness, celebrate Indigenous knowledge, and foster a deeper connection to nature.

Rooted in Collaboration and Culture

The gardens are being developed in partnership with Mi’kmaq Elder Helena Perry, offering her guidance on the Medicine Wheel and native medicinal plants, and with MacPhail Woods, supplying native plants, trees, and expert knowledge. Together, these partners are helping students create gardens filled with pollinator-friendly, PEI-native plants that reflect the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the Island.

Learning and Wellness in Every Leaf

The impact of the project is already being felt. Students are gaining hands-on experience in planning, planting, and teamwork—while also learning about Indigenous culture, environmental stewardship, and mindfulness.

“The excitement has been building among students and staff as we watch the Medicine Wheel garden come together. As a teacher, this garden will be a great asset to teach students about Indigenous culture and the benefits of medicinal plants.”
– Makayla Victor, Grade 3 Teacher

“The students worked as a team and applied their language and math skills to the planning and execution of the garden. They blossomed in collaboration, empathy, and focus. They loved working with Helena and learned so much about Mi’kmaq culture. This project has contributed tremendously to everyone’s physical, mental, and emotional health—including my own.”
– Steph Guindon, Grade 4 Teacher & Project Lead

Looking to the Future

The project will be considered a success when both gardens are fully planted and actively used as outdoor learning spaces. Teachers are already planning to bring students outside more often, using the gardens to support curriculum outcomes in social studies, science, and wellness.

The long-term goal? To create spaces where students can connect with the land, each other, and themselves—developing stronger interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and emotional resilience.

The Wellness Gardens project is a powerful example of how outdoor learning and community collaboration can support student well-being. By blending education with nature, culture, and mindfulness, Montague Consolidated School is cultivating a healthier, more inclusive learning environment—one plant at a time.

We’re proud to support this initiative through our School Health Grant and we can’t wait to see how these gardens continue to grow.

Learn more about our Wellness Grant Program: HERE