Heather Latter
Registration
for plots set
Given that spring has arrived in Rainy River District, gardening season is just around the corner.
And with that, a registration session for plots in the Fort Frances Community Garden is set for next Wednesday (April 4) from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Sunset Country Métis Hall here.
Plots cost $15 for adults and $5 for children for the season.
A limited number of “raised bed” plots also are available, which are intended for those with physical limitations that may inhibit them from getting down on the ground.
The garden, located on Lillie Avenue between Fifth Street and Sixth Street West, came to fruition last spring after more than a year-and-a-half of work to get it going.
“In 2011, the garden project was very successful,” said Krista Nielson of the Northwestern Health Unit, who also is co-chair of the Community Garden Team.
“This year we are expanding to include more plots,” she noted.
And like last year, organizers once again are planning to include a “Circle of Sharing” garden within the community space, as well as offer workshops and learning opportunities throughout the summer on a variety of gardening topics, which would be open to the public (not just registered gardeners).
Nielson said the “Circle of Sharing” garden is a four-directions garden divided by the seasons: winterland, summerland, sunrise, and sunset.
“The circle is divided into quadrants and different traditional plants are planted at specific places around the circle,” she explained, noting there is corn in each section—blue corn in the winterland section, white corn in the summerland section, red corn in the sunset section, and pink popcorn in the sunrise quadrant.
“Beans are planted at the base of the corn,” she added.
“On the outside edge of the winterland sections there are sunflowers, in the sunrise there are squash, in the summerland section there are pumpkins, and in the sunset section there are gourds.”
Nielson said bamboo poles form a teepee in the centre of the circle, with vines climbing the poles.
“It looks really cool when it’s all planted and done,” she remarked.
“It’s an idea we came up with to encourage different groups to get involved with the garden, and the space will also provide the opportunity to re-introduce traditional gardening to youth in our community and for the public to learn about aboriginal gardening practices.
“We’re hoping to make a lot of use of it this year,” she added.
Meanwhile, some of the workshops they’re hoping to offer throughout the summer include garden planning, freezing and canning produce, and eco-friendly options for garden maintenance.
“Just a lot of eduction around different things to do with gardening, and to bring back the idea of gardening instead of relying on the grocery store,” she reasoned.
Nielson said the objective of the Fort Frances Community Garden is to foster community health through the continued development of the garden.
“Physical health benefits of gardening include increased endurance, flexibility, and strength,” she noted, adding that gardening also has been proven to reduce anxiety and promote positive mental health.
“Members can build food skills and have increased access to healthier food.”
In addition, Nielson said the garden provides opportunity for volunteers to mentor children and youth, providing them with an increased sense of belonging in the community.
“The Fort Frances Community Garden provides gardening space to residents of Fort Frances and the surrounding communities, and allows them the ability to grow their own food,” she remarked.
“Participants will benefit nutritionally, mentally, and physically from the active living experience that gardening provides.”
The Community Garden Team also will be at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market annual Easter market to provide information and accept registrations if plots are still available.
The garden also is now on Facebook, so people are encouraged at search “Fort Frances Community Garden” to check out the page and “like” it order to stay up-to-date on garden events and meetings.
“The garden project has been so successful because of the dedication of the gardeners, volunteers, and partners involved,” Nielson stressed.
She said donations are always welcome—whether it be the donation of unwanted or unneeded gardening equipment, materials, services, or time and expertise.
“Personally, I am very excited to be a part of this project and hope to see continued success of the garden in the future,” she enthused.
For more information, contact Nielson at 274-9827.
