The West Village Community Garden’s harvesting is over and its winterization almost done. The resounding first year’s success is due to the diligent efforts of the North Cariboo Aboriginal Family Society, Grace Young Activity Centre and volunteers. A special acknowledgement and thanks go to Victor Johnson, Charles McGee and Gordon Daly, who put in countless hours in planning and labour to establish the garden.
We also express appreciation to all the local companies and organizations that assisted with this project. A sign is placed at the garden site as a permanent thank you for the generous contributions of the donors. Surplus produce has benefited Seasons House, Salvation Army, the Aboriginal Family Society and Grace Young Centre as well as many individuals. As winterization of the garden is nearing completion, plans are underway for next spring. Seeds from this year’s crops have been saved and the CNC greenhouse will be used again to start seedlings and bedding plants for the planting day in May 2014. The children’s area next year will see the addition of a teepee made from bean poles and a gumboot garden. The community is invited to bring pesticide-free vegetable scraps, leaves, clippings, eggshells and coffee grounds to the compost area, knowing this effort will allow the garden to produce pesticide-free, organic produce. The Westside garden will prove in the coming years to be a great place to learn gardening skills, get exercise, harvest healthy produce, bring children and meet other people.
To join the volunteers next spring, drop by the garden at 325 Lewis Drive (beside the Westside outdoor skating rink) to pick up a brochure or call Wendy at the Women’s Resource Centre, 250-992-8472. A toast to next year’s success and a heartfelt thanks again to all our wonderful supporters.
– submitted by Wendy Hammond, planner and coordinator