Community Garden

The community garden on Coulter St. is ready to go for the 2010 season, there are thirty-five plots available to rent from the .  The garden was built in two parts, last fall and early this spring.  It was built using the sheet composting method, a permaculture method which does not require tilling.  Many volunteers came out for the build events from a variety of community groups such as, Transition Town Barrie, Fair Trade Barrie, Living Green Barrie and many plot renters. The garden plots are municipally owned entities and can be rented from the City of Barrie . Living Green Barrie was been involved in the community garden initiative since it’s conception.  By showing the City of Barrie there is interest, support and demand.  Living Green has also sponsored Kyla Cotton  of  Urban Harvester to organize the garden builds and coordinate plot renters for the 2010 season.  The community garden is looking for further involvement from other community groups.  Contact the City of Barrie  if you are interested.

Community Garden Update

 

How does your garden grow?　The Sunnidale Community Garden has recently grown through its first season with tremendous success! There were thirty-five plots in total, rented by community groups and individuals.　All plots were rented and abundant with tasty, fresh and healthy vegetables.  In fact, there was even a waiting list, which helped to show the demand for the project.

　For many involved it was their first attempt at gardening.　They came to understand the great personal satisfaction that comes with growing your own produce.　They were able to share this pride and amazement with their community of gardeners.

The garden also experienced growing pains.　For example, there was a resident ground hog that also enjoyed some of the fresh vegetables. On-site water is also an issue that is still in the process of being resolved, hopefully for next season.　The gardeners were lucky that it was a temperate season.

　There were many organizations involved in seeing the garden off the ground.　Living Green Barrie sponsored the coordination of the first season and coordination of building the garden. Volunteers from Transition Town and Living Green helped to build the garden. Communities in Bloom advised on policy.　The City of Barrie oversaw the project and provided a fence and materials for the garden.　As well, a member of the larger community donated a shed.

With the garden being so popular and well used, this pilot project has set its roots deeply in the City of Barrie. The city is looking to expand the program to accommodate interest.　 Who knows, in the next few years there may be a community garden sprouting up your neighbourhood?

If you would like more information, contact Kyla Cotton at urban.harvester@gmail.com, or www.urbanharvester.ca. There is also information on the City of Barrie website, www.cityofbarrie.ca, search “Community Garden”.