The Garden Respite Fund

Recent studies are telling us what many of us have known for years – time in nature is essential for our mental health.

Working hand-in-hand with local mental health organizations, the Garden Respite Fund allows therapists and counsellors to prescribe a year of Garden membership to those who struggle with their mental health.

Whether someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, living with depression, or feeling  the weight of the world – giving someone time in the Gardens will support their recovery.

If you believe that time in the Gardens can help people in need, help us to grow this project by making a donation to the Garden Respite Fund today?

“This place has become my oasis, a place where I can reset and walk away feeling lighter than when I came.”
— Amir, Respite Fund Recipient at Foundry

Donate Today

If you believe that time in the Gardens can help people in need, help us to grow this project by making a donation to the Garden Respite Fund today?

Donate Now

Membership Benefits

Beyond unlimited garden access, membership offers a wide range of benefits and discounts.

Express entry when you scan your valid membership card
 10% discount on regular priced items in the VanDusen Garden and Bloedel Conservatory Gift Shops* and The Garden Cafe at VanDusen Botanical Garden.*
We currently offer a limited number of classes & activities and are hoping to expand this based on your feedback. Most classes have a cost, but members receive a discount and bursaries are available if the fees present a barrier.
Free borrowing privileges at the Yosef Wosk Library and Resource Centre at VanDusen—the largest botanical and horticultural library in Western Canada!

*Terms and conditions apply. See Membership Benefits page

Full list of Membership Benefits

Become a Partner

Join us in making nature-based mental health support more accessible.

We welcome collaborations with nonprofits, community agencies, and healthcare providers that share our commitment to mental well-being in the Greater Vancouver area. Together, we can expand access, co-create therapeutic opportunities, and strengthen the connection between community care and the healing power of nature.

Interested in partnering, or have questions about the program?
Please contact rnagy@vandusen.org or call 604-257-8537 to discuss partnership opportunities.

Respite Fund FAQs

What other benefits to membership are there?

Beyond unlimited garden access, membership offers a wide range of benefits and discounts. See: vandusengarden.org/get-involved/membership

Are there therapeutic activities people can access at the garden?

We currently offer a limited number of classes & activities and are hoping to expand this based on your feedback. Most classes have a cost, but bursaries are available if the fees present a barrier. See: vandusengarden.org/learn

Can I run a therapeutic activity at the garden?

Yes, and we would love to hear what your plans are! While large activities that take up sections of the garden may require prior agreement or the renting of a space, small group activities are welcome. We may be able to support such initiatives, and one day perhaps may even be able to provide funding to facilitate them.

My passes have expired, how can I get more?

Contact me to arrange for more: rnagy@vandusen.org / (604) 257 8537, We will reach out to refill them annually, but if you are making good use of them, we would be happy to give you more provided we have available funding.

I/someone I know would like to support this initiative or other programs at the Gardens, what should they do?

As a registered charity who does not receive government funding, the Gardens only exist because of public support. Donations can be made online or at the Discovery Room, information on volunteering can be found on our website or by speaking to one of our staff/volunteers.

I have a great idea of how this program can be improved, what should I do?

We are actively seeking feedback and hope to one day form an advisory committee. We will also be developing volunteer opportunities based on your feedback. Connect with me directly or complete your annual feedback report.

I know an organization you should get in touch with.

Our ability to run this program is dependent on public support, but we may have the capacity to partner with more organizations. If the organization you have in mind has a direct mandate to support mental health and operates in the Greater Vancouver area, let us know the contact details of the best person to get in touch with.

My client wishes to contact you directly, is this OK?

Absolutely! While we will never reach out to them for anything related to the Garden Respite Fund, they are certainly welcome to share their experiences or to learn more.

I lost some or all of my passes.

This is not a problem, but please let us know so we can invalidate the codes and prevent them from being used.

We no longer intend to participate in this program.

If your organization will no longer be participating in this program, please let us know so that we can avoid costly mailing expenses and staff time. If you are leaving your organization but your organization will continue participating in this program, please let us know who we can contact in your absence.