Heather Latter
Although people began planting in the local community garden several weeks ago, the Community Garden Team has planned an official grand-opening at the site tomorrow (June 23) at 5 p.m.
“It’ll be an opportunity for people to see the progress of the garden so far,” noted Becky Holden, acting chair of the Community Garden Team.
She said community partners involved in the garden are encouraged to attend the grand-opening.
Organizers also are hoping to have some members of town council in attendance, as well as an elder to bless the garden.
“It’s been going well so far,” Holden remarked. “People have been out there planting and things have already started growing.
“It’s really looking like a garden now.”
While many plots have been planted, Holden added there’s still a lot of work to be done, including more planting as well as addressing issues with the watering system and the need for a fence.
“Nothing has been chewed yet, but there are deer prints in the garden,” she said.
“So we’d like to get a fence up as soon as possible.”
Holden added they have sent a request to town council for permission to construct a fence around the garden, which likely will be on the agenda for council’s next meeting this coming Monday (June 27).
As for the water at the garden, large tanks have been put in place and filled, but Holden noted there is not enough pressure to use a hose.
“We also have four raised beds to add, as well,” she noted. “It’s easier for people who aren’t able to get down as low.
“It’s just a different format of gardening.”
The push for a large community garden here got underway last winter and the Community Garden Team—consisting of representatives from the Northwestern Health Unit, Sunset Country Métis, United Native Friendship Centre, Rainy River District Social Services Administration Services, and local gardeners—spent the past year-and-a-half making plans and organizing the project.
“It’s exciting for Fort Frances to finally have a community garden ready to go because we’ve seen really successful gardens in communities around us,” Holden enthused.
The Community Garden Team is excited about the benefits this garden will offer the community this summer—from creating a social activity and educational opportunities to focusing on the “Eat Local” theme and growing healthy produce.
Their plan is to have someone at the community garden one night a week, for a couple of hours, to provide assistance, as well as to offer small learning workshops throughout the season.
“It’s just a great thing for the community and [the grand-opening] is an excellent chance for members of the public to come check it out,” Holden remarked.
The event will be rescheduled if the weather doesn’t co-operate, but a rain date has not been set yet.
