REAL Community Garden
Growing together!
Eight individuals, families or community groups took a plot at the REAL Community Garden in 2011. Each group was responsible for planting, maintaining and harvesting their own plot. The raised cedar beds have replaced the four straw bale plots used in 2010. The cedar rail fencing you see was the result of three Heritage Cedar Rail Fence Building Workshops.
The REAL Community Garden is a great opportunity for a family or community group looking to experience gardening for the first time, or even experienced gardeners who do not have access to a suitable location. Guidance is available for novice gardeners. We have three plots available for the 2012 season. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would be interested.
For more information, please contact:
- Mona Wynn, Community Health Promoter
- Mona Wynn
- (613) 283-1952 ext. 136.
See photos of the Garden Construction
Background
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 each planted and maintained their own vegetable (or other edibles) garden.
History. REAL had 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.
Startup in 2010. REAL decided to put out a call for interested residents, and a meeting was arranged. We had some people experienced with gardening and community gardens in particular, ecoPerth looking to promote gardening in this area, and a few organizations looking for a rewarding activity for their members.
The partners involved created four raised straw bale garden plots and managed then jointly. But each had their own plot to plant and harvest. REAL was one of the partners.
See some photos of the 2010 garden.
Additional Interest in 2011. Our efforts stirred some interest in the community, and a result e were able to put a call out and attract additional gardeners to take a total of eight plots in 2011. A contribution from the Community Health Centre paid for the bed construction. Much of the wood you see was donated. The group also made a successful application to the Walmart-Evergreen Green Grant program who have generously fundeded the soil, gravel, wood supports and signage.
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