Staff
Despite the chilly temperatures today, the Fort Frances Community Garden is gearing for the coming season by opening up registrations for anyone who would like a plot.
“We are very excited to begin taking applications,” enthused Elaine Fischer, a member of the Fort Frances Community Garden committee.
The first registration session will be held tomorrow from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at the UNFC’s “Head Start” program (308 Butler Ave.)
A second one then is set for this Wednesday (April) from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Métis Hall on Armit Avenue.
“And anyone interested can also stop in at the [Northwestern] Health Unit at anytime to sign up,” Fischer added.
She noted the cost is $15 for an adult plot (10’ x 20’) and $5 for a kids’ one.
“We are also going to be adding more raised beds,” Fischer said, which she noted are going to be built by Fort High students.
Fischer added the kids’ gardening club also will return this season, although which evening it will be held each week has yet to be decided.
“It will run very similar to last year,” she explained, noting there will be an activity at each meeting, as well as opportunities to learn about gardening.
But new for this year will be the use of a buddy system so new gardeners can be paired with experienced ones.
“We need to transfer that knowledge from our gardeners to new people—we’re losing skills,” Fischer stressed.
The committee also will be introducing a “Gardening 101” series for anyone who wants to learn more.
“So there will be plenty of opportunities for learning,” she reasoned.
Fischer noted there will be some returning gardeners coming back, but there also will be plots available for new people to get involved.
And she’s encouraging families to give it a try.
“It’s a great opportunity, especially if you don’t have the space at home for a garden,” Fischer remarked, stressing the importance of learning food skills early on.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting year,” she enthused.
For more information, call Fischer at the Northwestern Health Unit (274-9827).
