photo — Sarah Willoughby
Events at the PLOT 2026
A Celebration of Life — Honouring the Trees
Sunday February 1, Noon until 2pm
Dear PLOT Sharing Garden Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that we send out this news. We have just recently been notified that all the trees surrounding the PLOT and Newton Medicine will be removed in mid February. The city, in anticipation of beginning the construction of the new Recreation Centre wishes to remove the trees before the birds start to nest.
While not unanticipated, we are feeling a great sadness at this loss, and there is also excitement at the prospect of a new and permanent location for the gardens.
We plan to keep the gardens and the Medicine Wheel active and growing in its current location for the coming season before moving to a new location that has yet to be determined. (Steve W, our PLOT guardian, has a beautiful vision for a location nearby and has been exploring the idea and location at an entry level with the City of Surrey.)
We will gather on Sunday February 1 to honour the trees, to express our gratitude for all the years we have had under their shade, and to acknowledge the land and all the inhabitants of this beautiful green space we have had the privilege of sharing our PLOT home space with.
Circling @ noon for a short meditation at the Medicine Wheel followed by a procession to the trees and a few activities to underscore our appreciation.
~As part of the activites a ‘Sweetness of Circles’ scroll will be created to honour the trees and document this time of transition.
For those who wish, afterward we will share hot drinks and light refreshments at the PLOT weather permitting. If the weather is inclement, we will move to the Espresso or another cafe nearby.
With Great Warmth and Gratitude to All for Your Contributions
~Due to the short time frame in which we have to gather in the tree setting, we will go ahead rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.
~If you feel called, bring a few flowers, greens, or other natural material for a giant earth mandala.
The PLOT Sharing Gardens is grateful to the City of Surrey for the land use agreement we have had for the past ten years, and for the opportunity to take the PLOT forward to a new location, with special thanks to Parks.
In light of an earlier than expected start to the tree removal in the area around the PLOT, our tree honouring day will shift in form. A majority of the trees have been logged in the past couple days.
The wish remains to honour the trees and all who had inhabited the land.
Please join us Sunday February 1,
~Noon until 1:45pm @ the PLOT ‘Honouring the Trees’.
Gather at noon for a meditation at the medicine wheel, sharing and to create a large earth mandala nearby.
Indoor Reception 1:45 pm to 4 pm @ Newton Ice Rink Room #4 To be together for hot drinks, light snacks and sharing.
As an opportunity for those who wish to process and express feelings through art, a scroll will be available to commemorate these standing tall relatives, utilizing foliage and branches from these trees to create rubbings.
While those of us at the PLOT knew this time was coming, it is still startling to see a green space disappear. And it is possible to feel deep grief and also radiate loving kindness and well wishes for what is to come with this new recreation center and all those who will benefit. May it bring wellness in all its many forms, peace of spirit, and be a place to regenerate and renew community connections.
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
photo – Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Teresa Klein
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
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- photo - Kelly Clayton
Thank you for sharing this message and for holding space to honour the trees and the many lives connected to the PLOT.
Reading this brings back quiet memories of Grandma Amy and Don, and the countless footsteps they once left on the soil of the garden. They spent so much time there tending, walking, pausing, and while they are no longer with us, their presence still feels woven into that land.
Although I haven’t visited the garden for some time, I remain deeply connected to it through those early days of establishment and the shared care that shaped the PLOT into what it became. Knowing that there will be a moment to honour the trees, the land, and all who have passed through it feels meaningful and necessary.
Thank you for creating this space for remembrance, grief, and gratitude, and for holding the spirit of the PLOT with such care as it transitions into what comes next.
With respect and warm remembrance,
Kal
