Published January 14, 2025


Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Residents of Aylmer and surrounding areas have a unique opportunity to learn from one of the
region’s top gardening experts as the Aylmer Sector Partners host a series of free bilingual
gardening workshops led by Hélène Hébert. Hébert, a former award-winning research scientist
and professional engineer in the nuclear industry, shifted her focus to food security after
relocating to a First Nation reserve. It was there that she developed a passion for organic
gardening, refining methods for growing food, both indoors and outdoors, year-round. Today,
she is recognized as one of Ottawa’s Top 9 Gardeners and is the creator of the Indoor
Gardening Academy and All-Year-Round Gardening School, programs that teach both new and
experienced gardeners how to cultivate food in all seasons.

Hébert’s workshops are known for their hands-on approach and clear, accessible teaching style.
She has a talent for simplifying complex gardening concepts, making them easy to grasp for
individuals with varying levels of experience. Participants in these workshops will learn how to
grow organic food in small spaces, using sustainable practices that allow for year-round
harvesting, even during the colder months.

The workshops, which will be held at the Partners of the Aylmer Sector located at 61 rue du
Couvent, will cover several topics designed to build gardening knowledge and skills. Attendees
will learn about growing microgreens, starting indoor seedlings, cultivating fresh herbs, and
even creating an indoor salad bar. Each session, running for 1 – 1.5 hours, will provide practical,
hands-on experience in organic gardening. The workshops are open to all residents of Aylmer,
regardless of their gardening experience, and are offered at no cost, with space limited to
ensure quality experience for each participant.

Registration for these workshops is required, and participants can sign up online through the
website potagerhelene.com/ateliers . With the support of the Aylmer Sector Partners and funding
from CISSSO and the City of Gatineau, these workshops are an invaluable opportunity for
anyone interested in growing their own organic food.

Photo: Gardening workshops in Aylmer, led by expert Hélène Hébert, offer a valuable
opportunity for residents to learn organic gardening techniques and grow food year-round, all at
no cost. (TF) Photo: courtesy of Hélène Hébert

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