By paNOW

PHOTOS: Jessy’s Garden welcomes the young and young at heart

Jun 7, 2014 | 10:04 AM

The second annual Children’s Day at Jessy’s Garden had many kids smiling from ear to ear.

Bonny Sanderson, who created and runs Jessy’s Garden, said it’s a great chance to “bring the little ones out to the country,” to see and listen to nature.

On Saturday, kids were busy painting rocks, playing with bubbles, getting their faces painted and planting flowers. The also held a barbecue.

“It’s just a day of celebration, more so for the children than anything,” said Sanderson

Sanderson first started Jessy’s Garden in honour of her daughter Jessy who took her own life in 2008. She said it all started with a flower garden for her, and a water fall into their creek. Now it’s much more.

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

46m ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

1h ago

Firearms motion

Carrot River Valley MLA's motion on firearms owners' rights passes unanimously

1h ago

“From that, Jessy’s Garden has exploded on us. Our first year that we had people stopping in we fed about 30. Last year we fed over 4,000. This year we’re expecting at least 6,000 to eat.”

Sanderson said they really value being a part of the community. They have partnered with the Prince Albert Food Bank, the food boxes and a couple other agencies. She said they always make sure that people are getting good quality food.

Seeing people from the community come out to their Children’s Day is something very special to Sanderson, she said.

“Jessy never had children so to have children here brings our property to life…I love little kids and this is, I believe, the place to have them where they can enjoy being with nature.”

Last year, 30 children came out to see the garden, and this year, Sanderson expects they’ve doubled the number.

“This morning it brought tears to my eyes as I watched the vehicles come in one after the other. That was always a dream of mine to see Jessy’s Garden grow. It’s growing,” she said.

Throughout the summer, anyone is welcome to visit Jessy’s Garden at any time, Sanderson said.

“If you want to pull some weeds or you just want to sit and have a coffee you’re more than welcome,” she said.

Sanderson said food from the garden is available to anyone that wants it (not just low income families) by donation or by volunteer hours.

asoloducha@rawlco.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha