Family home and garden - rural, Vineyard, Orchard
British Columbia
Looking for a person to work on the farm from May 3~ June27. We live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Our acreage is just out side of Nanaimo on a small lake called Myles Lake. We are currently in need of someone to work spring cleaning and weeding garden beds and other areas on the average
My wife and I are professional artists working out of our home studio. The woofer that comes here can expect to live with the family in a room provided for them in our house. We will welcome you as part of the family. Our home being on the lake has lots to offer woofers in their spare time. There is swimming, boating, hiking, mountain bike riding with hundreds of square miles to explore in the country, behind the property. Also, it's only about a 20 minute ride to downtown Nanaimo. Our home has wi-fi for your use. We would prefer woofers who travel without pets.
Organic methods: We do not use chemicals on any food products we raise. We use natural fertilizers from animals and composting.
Certifications: No chemicals used on the property just natural products.
Current projects: Weeding and preparing to get the farm beds and garden ready for winter. Completing the harvest and putting up the crop. Removing Broom (weed) from property and other seasonal chores.
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Viticulture
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Traditional crafts
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
1.6
Hectares
|
4
Acres
Rich
Member since 2013
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 1 day
British Columbia
Nanaimo
Reviews
Lilly
Germany
•
May 2026
I spent three wonderful weeks with Rich and Diane, and from the very first day they welcomed me with open hearts and made me feel like part of the family. They are incredibly warm, caring people, amazing artists, and I truly enjoyed all the fun and meaningful conversations we shared.
Their property is absolutely beautiful, located right by the lake and surrounded by nature. My daily tasks included feeding the chickens and watering the plants in the morning, followed by a few hours of gardening with Diane. The work was always enjoyable, varied, and never felt stressful.
There was also plenty of free time. Afternoons and weekends were free, and they were always happy to drive me wherever I wanted to go. They also provided bicycles, and there are beautiful hiking trails nearby. Thanks to Diane especially, I experienced and saw so many wonderful places — she always made sure I had an unforgettable time.
I had a small private bedroom inside the house with my own bathroom, which made the stay very comfortable. Another highlight was the amazing food. I got to bake a lot, try new things, and experiment with recipes. The homemade pizza nights were definitely a favorite!
If you want to experience life like a local and spend a beautiful time surrounded by nature, this is the perfect place. Thank you so much for everything — I would love to come back one day!
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Sakura
Japan
•
May 2025
I stayed at Arbutus Lane for 2 weeks. I had a wonderful time with Rich and Diane. My English is not good but they welcomed me like a member of family. They are so kind and interesting. They made me smile. Moreover, Rich is good cook. He can cook all kinds of food. Diane makes snacks well. Sometimes, you can help her make them. Usually I did weeding, feeding chickens, and watering. You can do any other tasks. All tasks are not so hard.
In my day off, I could swim in the lake in front of the house and go to some towns with Diane. Also, Rich took me to a hiking area. So, I really enjoyed every day.
Therefore, I recommend this wonderful farm!!!
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Alexandra
Germany
•
July 2024
I stayed for two weeks with Rich and Diane and had a wonderful time with them. From the first moment I felt like a member of the family and very welcome. They made it very easy for me to feel comfortable in their house.
The work was varied, so it never got boring. Some of the things I did were weeding out the raspberry bushes, helping to set up a gazebo, painting, building a small stonewall, feeding the chickens and helping with things around the kitchen.
In my free time I had the chance to explore some of the parks in Nanaimo and the surrounding hiking trails. I also liked to take the boat and row around the lake or just sit there reading.
I enjoyed our discussions very much and I learned a lot, from art to garlic scapes and everything in between. Both Diane's and Rich's cooking is fantastic, you will never go hungry there.
I thank you for your hospitality and kindness which made my stay with you very special. I will always remember these two weeks.
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Jurriaan
Netherlands
•
June 2024
I am glad that I had my first ever Wwoof experience with Rich and Diane. The welcomed me into their house like a family member and I felt comfortable from the start. I mainly helped out Rich with jobs around the property and could also help Diane in her vegtable garden. It is a beautiful property situated right beside a lake with ample hike opportunities!
Max
Germany
•
May 2023
My stay at Rich and Diane‘s was great! They Are very friendly and helpful persons.
Rich picked me up at the ferry terminal and we drove to his home. It‘s a nice place with a lake access and many hiking roads behind their place.
I learned to do some things I never done bevor.
Would come again to Arbutus Lane!
Ps: If someone beats them in playing cards, got my respect :)
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Gisella
Singapore
•
March 2022
It's been a few years since I've been back on the WWOOFing platform (thanks, COVID!), and as I was going through my profile and landed on Rich and Diane's page, I discovered that I hadn't given them a review all this time! All I can say is, this is one of the loveliest experiences I have had - we talked about almost everything under the sun, and as they welcomed me like I was one of their own. They were always respectful and inclusive, and I learnt all sorts of things! Even all these years on, I recall the great conversations I've had with them about art, gold panning, earthworms, swimming, their fun times in China, why making a big batch of bread is better than a small batch, stevia, and even spirituality/religion!
At the time, all they needed me to do was clear their slope of weeds. I made very slow progress, even after Rich hinted to me that I was too meticulous, and I have carried the shame with me all these years on haha. Only in hindsight, and now, after having some gardening experience back home, I finally realise how not-fragile established plants are, and if I could visit them again, I would make up for the slow progress all those years ago!
I've had them on my Facebook since my trip! They are SUCH lovely people who are sincere about getting to know you, and vice versa, and you will have a beautiful time with them :)
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