Communal Garden
A communal garden is born! In the spring of 2010 a series of four garden plots were built on the site of the REAL Deal for use by four partners: The Smiths Falls and District Club for Youth (SFDCY), Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), The Link and REAL. These partners will each be planting and maintaining their own vegetable (or other edibles) garden.
Background. REAL has been interested in a community garden for our Environment Centre since moving onto the property in 2008. But for various reasons, funding being on of them, we did not get started. Three other local efforts to establish a community garden in Smiths Falls over the past ten years have faltered. One major reason was the lack of a suitable space, and another was a perceived lack of interest among residents. REAL felt we had a suitable space - enough sunny, open area, access to water, and within walking distance of downtown. REAL decided to put out a call for interested residents.
Response was not great, but a meeting of interested parties was called to see if together we could get somewhere. We had some people experienced with gardening and community gardens in particular, an anonymous funder looking to promote gardening, and a few organizations looking for a rewarding activitiy for their members.
So together we decided to run with a communal garden concept. The plots are not available to the public, but the partners involved have created the garden and will manage it jointly, but each have their own plot to plant and harvest. This a community project, of which REAL is a partner.
See some photos of the construction.
It is hoped that these garden plots will inspire others to consider the possibilities of community gardening. Should there be sufficient interest and funding can be secured, there is ample room to accommodate additional plots next year.
BBBS - June 30 SFDCY - June 30
