GORE BAY—The garden may be sleeping under a deep blanket of snow at the moment but members of the Western Manitoulin Community Garden (WMCG) are already thinking green, and they have some exciting plans and announcements for the upcoming season.
Thanks to a $5,000 grant from Carrot Cache, a new accessible garden area made up of eight raised beds will be added this spring. The raised beds will be 30 inches high and four foot by eight foot in size so that people with physical challenges can enjoy all the benefits of an individual garden.
The raised bed garden will be located near the parking area with a hard packed surface to allow for increased accessibility. The area will also be fenced to keep the gardens free of deer and other critters.
The garden group has also decided to double the size of individual gardens with no increase in fees. Last season the individual plots were 10 foot by 10 foot in size which served some gardeners well, but the committee realized that others would have appreciated even more growing space.
“We’re blessed with a large garden area,” pointed out Sarah Earley who, along with Scott Miller, manage the individual plots. “So for the 2019 season we can offer double the size of last year at the same price.”
The individual plots will now be 10 foot x 20 foot, at just $25 for the season. Double size plots of 10 foot by 40 foot will be available for $40.
To sign up for one of the raised bed gardens or an individual ground level plot email: earlysarahjane@gmail.com.
For those who are beginners at vegetable gardening or who can’t commit to an individual plot, there will be a large common garden planted under the direction of experienced gardeners. Seeds, plants and garden tools are provided and in exchange for helping in the common garden participants will share in the harvest. Individuals, families or groups from local businesses are all welcome.
“This is a great way to make friends, learn some gardening skills and enjoy all the benefits of growing and eating fresh, healthy veggies that you’ve had a hand in growing,” points out garden committee member Barbara Barfoot. “And it is a great opportunity for families or co-workers to work together. The more folks we have involved in the common garden the better the harvest for all.”
The Kids Can Grow garden will be featured again this year thanks to the efforts of the Garden Club at C.C. McLean Public School. The club is organized and supervised by April Patterson and Linda Willson.
“The kids did an amazing job last season,” enthused Ms. Patterson. “It was our first year and there was a serious drought but we still had a good harvest. In fact, it was beyond our expectations. And we’re planning to make the upcoming season even better.”
The youngsters and their families who helped in the garden were able to take home a wide variety of fresh, organic vegetables throughout the seasons. In the fall a garlic plot was planted which will be the basis for garlic harvests for many years to come.
“We are hoping for adult volunteers to help transport kids and to be involved with the garden in the summer time,” noted Linda Willson.
Other plans for 2019 include the second annual Kite Festival in the spring, along with garden tours, a fall harvest festival and pumpkin carving contest. Details on these are to be announced so stay tuned for details in the coming months.
Members of the community can help the garden grow and improve in a number of ways. The WMC committee invites new members and volunteer garden helpers are always welcome. Community members are also encouraged to donate extra plants from their own garden such as rhubarb, horseradish, berry plants, perennial flowers and herbs. The donation of lilac bushes to establish a wind break on the perimeter of the garden is also appreciated.
For more information, or to volunteer go to Western Manitoulin Community Garden on Facebook.
