Fields of High Tea at The Giving Place

Join us for a traditional High Tea in the lavender fields

A farm favourite, our High Teas are a beautiful blend of elegance, comfort, and connection. Our lavender field provides a charming setting for an experience that feels both timeless and welcoming.

Your Tea Party will include:

A set seating time with a menu of locally sourced, seasonal, and fresh foods, including many items grown right here on our farm. Enjoy our specially selected tea blend, mini sandwiches, salads, desserts, and treats, all served at your table near our garden fields.

An opportunity to cut your own lavender bouquet to take home and enjoy or share. As well as a chance to visit our store and enjoy some time shopping for all of our natural lavender products.

A walk on the property to experience our intimate country setting where you can breathe in the wonderful lavender, visit the wildflowers, enjoy the sunflowers and escape at your leisure to a place where nature embraces your heart. 💜

*This is an adults only event, we require a minimum of 2 guests per table.

*Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available at an additional cost

Field and Brush: The Giving Place’s Landscape Artist of the Year ‘En Plein Air’ Competition

Date: September 27, 2025
Location: The Giving Place – 19618 E Townline, Mount Albert, ON
Application Opens: June 21, 2025
Deadline: September 18, 2025
Registration Fee: $45 (includes entry and competition access)
Spectator Entry: $10 | People’s Choice Ballot: +$5

A Celebration of Art, Nature, and Giving

The Giving Place is thrilled to announce its first-ever Field and Brush – Landscape Artist of the Year “En Plein Air” Competition. Inspired by the beloved show Landscape Artist of the Year, this outdoor art experience brings together artists of all levels to celebrate creativity, community, and compassion—all while supporting a meaningful cause.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Giving Garden Haven, a local not for profit that donates 100% of its harvest to food banks, pantries, and shelters across the community. By participating, you're not just creating art—you’re growing hope.

Who Can Apply?

We’re inviting up to 100 artists to apply for this exciting community event.

To participate, you must:

• Be 15 years of age or older (all artists must be able to work independently on their artwork)

• Pay a $45 registration fee, which includes entrance to The Giving Place grounds

• Provide all your own supplies (easel, chair, paint, brushes, etc.)

• Be ready to create outdoors—this is a true “en plein air” experience

• Any medium is welcome: paint, pastel, coloured pencil, mixed media, any size or

  shape

• Artists may choose any location at The Giving Place to interpret creatively

Your completed work is yours to keep, but the memories and impact will last a lifetime.

What’s at Stake?

The winner will be named “The Giving Place Artist of the Year” and will receive:

• A $200 cash prize

• A prize package including donated gifts and experiences

• Their winning piece featured at local galleries and businesses

• Recognition and visibility within the community art scene

• 2nd and 3rd place winners will also be selected

There will also be a People’s Choice Award, voted on by attending guests!

Event Day Schedule – September 27, 2025

• 9:00–10:45 AM: Artist setup (participants only)

• 11:00 AM: Clocks begin, artists start creating

• 2:00 PM: Brushes down – artwork complete

• 2:15 PM: Ballots collected for People’s Choice

• 3:00 PM: Winners announced!

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy: Live music, local vendors, refreshments, watching talented artists at work across the beautiful property!

General Admission

Not competing but still want to be part of the magic?

• $10 entry gets you full-day access to the farm

• Add $5 to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award

• Wander the lavender fields, meet rescue animals, enjoy live music, and shop local

Word’s From the Heart

“I’ve been thinking about an event like this for years. I was inspired by Landscape Artist of the Year and wanted to create a local event to highlight the amazing artists in the area. I hope this becomes an annual celebration of creativity that brings people together and rekindles the love of art.”
— Colleen Worsley, Community Advocate & Co-Creator

Register Now – Spots Are Limited!

Applications open June 21, 2025, and close September 18, 2025 (or earlier if spots fill).

Let’s create, connect, and cultivate community—one brushstroke at a time.

The Birdhouse Mystery: A Whimsical Outdoor Adventure at The Giving Place

The Birdhouse Mystery: A Whimsical Outdoor Adventure at The Giving Place

Looking for a unique outdoor experience near Toronto that combines fun, nature, and brain-teasing adventure? Welcome to The Birdhouse Mystery—a one-of-a-kind, puzzle-filled journey through wildflower fields and lavender-scented air at The Giving Place.

This isn’t just another walk in the park. It’s a hands-on outdoor escape game where you become the detective, uncover hidden clues, and solve nature-inspired mysteries... all surrounded by beauty, calm, and a few furry friends.

🧩 What is The Birdhouse Mystery?

The Birdhouse Mystery is an interactive outdoor puzzle adventure designed for curious minds and nature lovers alike.

Here’s what to expect:

🔍 Clues Hidden in Handcrafted Birdhouses
Each birdhouse holds a brain teaser, riddle, or clue—crafted to challenge your mind and spark your imagination.

🌿 A Nature-Based Mystery to Solve
The goal? Uncover a mystery inspired by the land itself, all while exploring our scenic farm filled with lavender blooms and native wildflowers.

🐰 Meet Our Rescue Animals
Take a break from clue-hunting to say hello to the friendly animals that call The Giving Place home.

🍦 Enjoy Lavender Goodies & Ice Cream
Complete your mission and reward yourself with sweet, farm-made treats including our signature lavender ice cream.

🌸 Why It’s the Perfect Day Out

Whether you’re looking for a creative date idea, a family outing, or a fun group activity, The Birdhouse Mystery is the perfect blend of challenge and relaxation.

• Great for a date night

• Fun for families and friends

• Great for ages 6+

• Ideal for groups of 2–6 people

• No screens. Just nature, puzzles, and purpose.

📅 Open June through October
📍 Located in the beautiful countryside at The Giving Place near York Region / GTA area

💡 A Unique Date Idea That’s Not Dinner and a Movie

Tired of the usual date night options? The Birdhouse Mystery is an outdoor adventure date that’s creative, memorable, and just the right mix of silly and smart. Laugh, explore, solve puzzles, and make memories in a setting that’s far from ordinary.

🔍 Book Your Outdoor Adventure Today!

Spots are limited and The Birdhouse Mystery is already one of our most talked-about experiences.

Reserve my spot!

Ready to challenge your mind and soothe your soul?
Come for the puzzles. Stay for the beauty.
We can’t wait to welcome you to The Birdhouse Mystery at The Giving Place!

A Night of 1000 Candles: Illuminate Hope & Support Local Food Security

A Night of 1000 Candles: Illuminate Hope & Support Local Food Security

Imagine a starlit field glowing with 1000 flickering candles—each one a symbol of nourishment, warmth, and hope. This summer, The Giving Place invites you to be part of a truly magical experience: A Night of 1000 Candles – Illuminate Hope Fundraiser.

Taking place at our peaceful Giving Garden Haven, this one-of-a-kind evening blends community, compassion, and candlelight to raise critical funds for local food security initiatives.

🌱 Why This Event Matters: Supporting Year-Round Food Access

Since 2019, The Giving Garden Haven has donated 100% of its fresh, locally grown produce to organizations serving those in need. These include:

• Holland Landing Food Pantry

• Keswick Fridge

• Georgina Food Pantry

• Second Chance Clothing Depot & Food Closet

• Mount Albert United Church Food Pantry

But as community demand grows and seasonal harvests remain limited, the need for infrastructure upgrades is urgent. This year’s fundraiser aims to support:
✅ Solar power installation
✅ Greenhouse expansion for year-round growing
✅ Better water access
✅ Tools and equipment to scale our impact

Your support = more families fed, more often.

What to Expect: A Candlelit Evening of Beauty and Purpose

A Night of 1000 Candles is more than a fundraiser—it’s a heartwarming gathering filled with light, music, and community spirit.

🎶 Live acoustic music under the stars
🕯 Candlelit pathways to walk and reflect
🍽️ Elegant catering by a certified Blue Seal Chef
🎁 Silent auction of handcrafted illuminated centerpieces

Plus, each guest will have the opportunity to add a candle to the glowing path, spreading warmth and generosity across the evening.

Ways to Get Involved: Sponsor or Donate

Become a sponsor and shine a light in your community. Sponsorship comes with a variety of benefits including VIP tickets, marketing exposure, and candle dedications:

🕯️ Platinum Sponsor – $5000

• Premier recognition across all platforms

• Logo featured on-site and online

• 100 dedicated candles + 8 VIP tickets

• Custom centerpiece for silent auction

🕯️ Gold Sponsor – $2500

• Prominent logo placement

• 100 dedicated candles + 6 VIP tickets

• Handcrafted centerpiece

🕯️ Silver Sponsor – $1000

• Logo featured in select event materials

• 50 dedicated candles + 4 VIP tickets

• Silent auction centerpiece

🕯️ Sponsor – $500

• Logo placement at event and online

• 50 dedicated candles + 2 VIP tickets

• Centerpiece for auction

🕯 Honor a Loved One: Sponsor a Candle

Can’t attend but still want to support?
You can purchase an Honorary Candle for just $25—lit in honour or memory of someone special. A simple, beautiful way to make a difference.

🎟 Get Your Tickets Now!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this truly meaningful night.
Reserve your tickets or become a sponsor today, and help illuminate the path to food security—one candle, one meal, one act of kindness at a time.