by Hana Louise -voluntary co-ordinator PRCRC
This is our vision, adopted with permission from Nanaimo Community Garden Society: “People in gardens together, sharing, belonging to, nurturing and healing the earth for others and ourselves.”
Our mandate directs us to
• promote and demonstrate sustainable local food-production and systems;
• educate the community about growing, preserving, and preparing fruits and vegetables; and
• provide opportunities for maintaining health, healing and horticultural therapy through gardening.
Our garden is one year old. A Youth Employment project, “Ground Works”, provided the infrastructure such as the fencing, raised beds, orchard shed and tools, opening the way for “Greening the Garden”.
Thanks to everyone who held a vision of Food First and contributed to the success of our first year. We have held partnership with Family Place, Career Link, PRACL, and many community businesses and volunteers.
Last year we harvested beans, squash, strawberries and much more. Seed-collecting events and plant sales funded some purchases, adding an element of independence.
We meet Mondays from 1–3 p.m. to prepare the garden for the coming season.
The current job list includes
1) adding a waist-high table garden to provide accessibility for wheelchair gardeners;
2) developing several composting systems to create the “black gold” so treasured by gardeners;
3) expanding the children’s and sanctuary gardens;
4) instaling an irrigation system and roofing the gazebo for rainwater collection;
5) developing vermiculture and permaculture; and
6) adding organic material for increased production. We are designing and building several hot beds and cloches to extend the garden for year-round food production.
Last year we benefited from workshops on pruning and lasagna gardening.
Two classrooms toured the garden for a hands-on experience of Food-first Gardening. With their help, we hope to extend this adventure to other schools.
For plant sales in April and May, we welcome donations of plants as well as garden tools and supplies, books, magazines, and your participation.
We gather on Mondays from 1-3 to work together and learn from one another while developing this gift of a garden in our community. No experience necessary—the garden is open for all to enjoy. Come to the rear of the Community Resource Centre at 4752 Joyce Avenue and go right in.