A sign is up. Trees have been planted. The garden plot is prepared.  The people are ready.

The Community Garden Alliance, a sub-committee of Assiniboine Food Security Alliance held an informational night on April 24 at the Alliance Church. A number of people came out to find out how they can take part in this venture.  

Fred Schneider, chairperson of the committee said, “It is economical.  It is environmentally safe. It has a mission. It creates community. It is educational. We are here to cultivate a culture of care that enriches our soil, improves our health, strengthens our community and glorifies our creator. The community garden provides people with the opportunity to become engaged in a healthy recreational activity while growing nutritious good, meeting neighbors, and building community.”

People can have a plot in the garden for next to nothing. There is no use of pesticides of herbicides and no adding of soil, composting or other foreign material unless authorized by the Community Garden Committee. A part of the harvest will be shared with the Salvation Army or Soup Haven. A number of people are willing to help those who know very little about gardening. These volunteers will work with those interested to bring human technical resources for a community garden. All people have to sign a gardener’s agreement.  

There are two types of plots. There are plots available for an individual or group who will look after that plot throughout the growing season.  There is also a communal plot that people who just want to help out. These people will gather every week to take care of these  plots. Their harvest will all go to a charity. There are still individual plots available.  

There now is a sign on Allanbrooke next to the Alliance Church. There are trees lining the way back to the garden plot.  These trees were purchased from the promise of a grant from Tree Canada for $3000.  

To find out more information about the Community Garden go to the AFSA website or our Facebook page. You can also contact the chairperson at 783-4266.