Held every two years on the lush, seven-acre sanctuary of Innisfree Farm & Botanic Garden, the Gathering has, since 2013, drawn plant lovers from across Western Canada and the United States. Like all herb gatherings, it’s a special kind of event—part learning space, part festival, part reunion in the woods.
Here, herbalists, plant lovers, and curious newcomers alike can meet like-minded people, swap stories, share knowledge, and deepen our relationship with the natural world and each other. Anyone with an interest in plants is welcome, whether you’ve been making tinctures for 20 years or just started growing mint on your balcony.
2026 program and speakers
This year’s Gathering, from June 26 to 28, will feature three world-renowned keynote speakers. Rosemary Gladstar is a herbalist, author, and educator with over 50 years of experience promoting plant-based healing and conservation. David Winston is an internationally known lecturer, author, and ethnobotanist with 45 years’ experience, and Dr. Nancy Turner is a Canadian ethnobiologist who has done extensive research work with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
On June 26, there’s a public theatre event at Florence Filberg Centre; Lessons from the Plants is open to all, not just full weekend participants. This inspiring evening blends storytelling, reflections from leading voices in herbalism, and delicious herbal elixirs. And those wanting to immerse themselves even further can participate in optional in-depth learning experiences (full- or part-day) with some of the herbal world’s most respected teachers after the weekend officially ends, on Monday, June 29.
Why it keeps people coming back
The heart of the Gathering lies in community. “Herbalists often work alone,” says Colleen Emery, one of the organizers. “We work in solitude with nature. We don’t associate with other humans a whole lot, especially with humans who speak our herbal language. When I come to herb gatherings, I’m surrounded by people who understand the path I’m walking. That, to me, is so enriching. That’s the number one reason I organize gatherings, so we can connect with our people, speak the common language, and spend time in nature together. It’s a wonderful vibe.”
“when plant people come together, there’s power there. We connect in a way that helps us do really great things in the world”
That vibe is what keeps people coming back. Whether it’s a late-night fire circle, a spontaneous plant ID session on the trails, or laughter over a shared meal, there’s a sense that something real is being built here.
In a world that sometimes feels uncertain, coming together matters more than ever. As a budding herbalist for eight years, and the Executive Director of the Gathering for five years, I believe building community is essential.
We’re living in a world that feels a bit rocky right now. But when plant people come together, there’s power there. We connect in a way that helps us do really great things in the world.
“You mean it’s not all about the great party we throw?” jokes Chanchal Cabrera, Innisfree Farm’s co-founder and a longtime herbalist. “We definitely love to celebrate when we get together. We have a lot of learning and a lot of fun.”
