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Hello!
My name is Nicola Gunter and I am the Founder & Program Director of Good Worm Garden Programs. I have a certain fascination for growing things from seed and DIY (do-it-yourself) gardening. I'm passionate about helping people and plants to thrive. Through a variety of ways, I help connect people to plants: through education, therapeutic activities, and/or by organizing community initiatives.
I am a radical social worker, organic master gardener, horticultural therapy practitioner and urban gardener/food grower.
As an organic master gardener and seasoned gardener, I bring the skills and experience needed to nurture a seed into a thriving plant, indoors or outdoors. Gardening is more than a hobby or a means to be more self-sustainable, it is a science and an art. I have lived and gardened in zones 3b (central AB and SK), 7b (Victoria, BC), and 5a (south AB).
As a radical social worker I operate from an anti-oppressive framework in exploring the strengths and barriers in Edmonton's urban ag scene. My knowledge base is rooted in a trauma-informed lens, holistic healing, brain science, child development and engaging learners with different learning styles and abilities. As a gardener in relationship with land, I bring awareness to my privilege and seek to help dismantle colonial narratives and structures. As a social worker, I do not support institutions such as child welfare or community policing as they historically and currently operate as systems of oppression against Indigenous folx and people of colour.
As a horticulture therapy practitioner I bring unique knowledge and skills to program development. I believe that all relationships, both plant and human, should be rooted in reciprocity. Healthy people, soil, ecosystems, communities, and food are all inter-connected.
I have experience in program development and group facilitation with people from all walks of life. I develop and deliver hands-on educational or therapeutic garden programs for all ages. These programs use the evidence-based 'power of plants' to improve quality of life and well-being. I can also help to implement a garden program/project or develop a curriculum for your organization.
Let's connect! Let's grow!