Hi, I’m Jane. I’m a permaculture designer, gardener, community developer, educator and coach.
I founded Garden Jane in 2007 and cofounded Hoffmann Hayes in 2015. I have spent 20+ years co-developing healthy food program and design experience with municipalities, non-profits and, more lately socially responsible businesses.
Social permaculture design influences my approach to helping people of all ages learn to grow and enjoy healthy food in a sustainable way. My main interest is working with clients and communities interested in healthy food, and helping grow the scope and depth of urban agriculture and permaculture practices in the GTA.
I’ve helped establish The Backyard Farm & Market in Erin Mills and the City of Toronto Children’s Garden Program and High Park Children’s Garden. I’ve also worked with FoodShare, the City of Toronto’s Community Garden program and Evergreen, helping set the stage for the growth of community gardening, school gardens and urban agriculture in Toronto and across Canada.
One of my favourite projects, the Bean Keepers, was developed 10 years ago, (and lives on in the International Year of the Pulse!), to share seed knowledge across ages, bioregions, schools and organizations. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to Food Not Lawns in Oregon, a group that now works internationally.
I have a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies (U of T), a Masters in Environmental Studies (York U) and certificates in Permaculture Design and Teaching Permaculture. I’m a mom to Chloe and River and love being involved in the Canopy Co-housing Community.
Learn More…