Gilbriar Gardens

A two-year horticultural internship and apprenticeship for young women transitioning from foster care.

Two participants begin each year and live, learn, and work together in a small garden community. With no more than four participants at a time, the program is intended to offer close guidance and room for each young woman to grow at her own pace.

Read about the two-year program

Bluebonnets growing in front of buildings at Gilbriar Gardens — 1882 Stone house and bluebonnets

Learning happens in the garden and around the table.

Horticulture is at the center of the program, but it is not the whole program. Participants will also practice cooking, budgeting, household care, communication, personal wellbeing, and the everyday responsibilities of independent life.

InternsYear one — begin with guidance.

ApprenticesYear two — practice with greater independence.

CompletionGraduates prepare for the next steps.

A colorful established native garden at Gilbriar Gardens — A garden that changes with the seasons

White dome buildings beyond flowers at Gilbriar Gardens — The Domes at the north end of the property: a place for cooking lessons, meals, crafts, and household skills.

Overhead view of the Gilbriar Gardens property — The property from above

Explore Gilbriar

The program is still taking shape. These pages show the working vision and the areas we are preparing.

ProgramLearning, housing, and the two-year path Native plantsThe future Gilbriar Gardens nursery selection Our peopleMeet founder Paula Stone and the board Support GilbriarSee what future contributions may help provide