Canvassing the neighbors...

Seeds Are Best When Shared

Part of the reason for having a community garden is to strengthen neighborhood relationships and start new ones. As the winter weather ebbs and flows dedicated volunteers are preparing to get out and meet the neighbors closest to the latest proposed community garden in Coventry Hills. As part of getting to know the neighbors and introducing them to what a community garden is all about we are sharing some of our donated seeds. It is quite amazing to see the variety of flowers and vegetables that thrive in Calgary's unpredictable growing zone. And if you want to have big beautiful plants early in the season, it's never too early to start thinking about what you want to plant.

Alberta takes notice...

That's right, everyone is starting to take notice of the benefits that community gardens offer. Even the Government of Alberta's Health and Wellness Ministry. Although right about now it's probably pretty tough to find any carrots, it's great to check out information that spurs on our spirits for a quickly approaching season.

Carrotless journey.

The bright side of things, that snow should help with soil moisture during spring runoff.

Cold, cold...

and more cold. Oh and did I mention "the snow". It transforms from mere "snow" to "the snow" when you have to shovel more than 4 times in one day. With that and the holidays just barely in the proverbial rear view mirror it has been somewhat difficult for some of us to think green. I've been beyond reticent to tackle the blog for the past 2 months. Lately when trying to decipher the ramblings that fly by in my brain it seems that gardening is taking a backseat to winter survival techniques, especially when it's so cold that it hurts when you breath in. That of course is only the case for some of us. Behind the scenes, and snow banks, there has been an energetic group of gardeners steadfast in their mission to open a new garden in Coventry Hills this spring. I've heard some very exciting things are in the works and updates will be coming shortly.

But what has spurred me into action, and believe me that takes some doing, was a brief grocery shopping trip. Bundled up, ready to fight the snow, having to wait for the car to warm up, then forgetting my boots in the garage the night before and having my feet turn to icicles; it dawned on me that spring is just around the corner. What could possibly bring about such an epiphany as I awkwardly waddle through the store trying to recover from shoveling for a record 100th time this winter...a McKenzie seed stand being set up just beyond the cashier line. That's right it's time to toughen up and start thinking dirty thoughts...about gardening.

So I did a little checking around. Turns out there's a lot of people thinking about vegetables and flowers in Calgary. Check out some of these upcoming workshops at the Calgary Horticultural Society. I always find events that concentrate on local food interesting as well, Slow Food Calgary has some fun offerings, and Kingsland Farmer's Market is a new market in town that is owned and operated by local producers. Let your imagination run wild with that, as I try and gear up to keep you updated on Harvest Gardens' growing season.

Northern Hills to Sprout another Community Garden

Last year I was reminiscing about some of my fondest memories as a child “picking raspberries and pulling carrots in my grandparents’ garden. Nothing tastes as good as a dirty carrot (though my wife insists I say “fresh”), a grubby fistful of juicy raspberries, and a cold drink from the garden hose.” After a long winter and short spring and summer Northern Hills Community members, with their extraordinary efforts, were able to breathe life into a community garden. Harvest Gardens was born; a place to go with friends, family, and neighbors; whether to putter in the dirt or maybe just sit and enjoy.

With such amazing success and exponential growth in community interest there is already talk of a second community garden; this one in Coventry Hills. The accompanying picture has been identified as a potential garden area and is one that many people may be familiar with.

Community gardens offer some great potential benefits for the community; healthier food choices, increased community cohesiveness, reduced vandalism, an inexpensive family activity, increased property values and a better looking neighborhood are just a few.

The positive impacts of community gardens are endless and the individual commitment can vary depending on preference. A community garden can be as diverse as its community of gardeners. Some may choose to grow solely flowers. Others may nurture vegetables and fruits for family consumption, to share or donate. It’s really up to the gardeners to decide what they would like to do in order to make a special place for themselves and the whole community.

If you are looking for a great family outdoor activity – and are interested in getting your hands a little dirty, you are encouraged to email garden@northernhills.ab.ca. You won’t be disappointed. We are trying to gauge interest so please contact us. All questions and ideas are welcome.