Duane Hicks
Ready, set, grow!
The Fort Frances Community Garden Kids’ Garden Club is gearing up for another season, with a kick-off planned for Monday, May 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Métis Hall (714 Armit Ave.)
There will be interactive booths, crafts, gardening information, sign painting, special guests, prizes, and a meal, which will be served at 5:30 p.m.
“The kick-off event this year is going to be fantastic,” enthused Sam Pearson, health educator with the Northwestern Health Unit here.
“Gardeners will be learning a lot of information about the basics of gardening, as well as getting some important items for the gardening season this year,” she noted.
Each gardener will get to paint their own sign, made by the Sister Kennedy Centre, for their plot.
Registration for the club happened last month, with next week’s event being open only to the registered gardeners and their families.
Organizers are hoping young gardeners will attend.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to attend the kick-off,” said Pearson.
“This event is put on by a great group of partners and volunteers from the Fort Frances Community Garden, Métis Nation of Ontario, Gizhewaadiziwin Access Centre, the Northwestern Health Unit, United Native Friendship Centre, and the Royal Bank of Canada, with guests from the Fort Frances Public Library, Rainy River Beekeepers’ Association, and local knowledgeable gardeners,” she explained.
“This event will prepare the kids and their families for a great growing season ahead.”
Those attending are asked R.S.V.P. via e-mail at spearson@nwhu.on.ca or by calling 274-9827 ext. 3639.
If you are unable to attend, organizers will set up a time when young gardeners can plan their plot for the season.
Looking ahead, the club will meet on-site at the community garden on Lillie Avenue North starting on Monday, May 29.
After that, they’ll meet every Monday from 5-6 p.m.
“This is going to be a great season for the Fort Frances Community Garden,” Pearson predicted.
“We have 23 new gardeners and some really excited returning gardeners,” she noted.
“We currently have only one space open in the kids’ garden,” Pearson added. “If you are interested, stop by the Northwestern Health Unit to register,” she noted.
“It is first-come, first-served for the remaining plot.”
The fee is $10 for the season, which includes a 10’x10′ plot, seeds, plants, healthy snacks, crafts, and more.
The weekly sessions will engage kids’ natural curiosity by providing inspiration, community know-how, and hands-on experiences, said Pearson.
Meanwhile, the community garden once again is expected to be well-utilized this summer–not just by kids but gardeners of all ages.
The garden includes a total of 29 raised beds, 45 ground plots, and 24 kids’ plots.
“We are full for raised beds and ground plots at the moment,” said Pearson.
“But if you want to be put on a waiting list, just give us a call.”
If a plot is not planted by June 15 (weather permitting), it may be forfeited and offered to the next person on the waiting list, she added.
Raised beds and ground plots cost $20 for the season.
