Community garden's second year was a good one

The Estevan Community Garden has enjoyed growth and good produce in its second year.

Committee member Barb Wright told the Mercury they had 17 raised-bed plots this year at their site on Lynd Crescent, compared to 12 last year. Fourteen people had plots, as there were a few who tended to more than one. 

Growing conditions were good, although the summer heat did cause problems for some of the crops. 

“The carrots, from what I understand, did not go over as well,” said Wright. “They just didn’t grow as well as they could have. Quite a few individuals have strawberries in their gardens. Some did well, but another type of strawberry did not produce as well as others. 

“We had lots of potatoes. We also had corn for the first time this year. There were two individuals who planted corn.” 

Most of the harvest is now finished. 

Families and senior citizens were among those who had gardens.  

“It’s not just for individuals who may or may not have access to a garden,” said Wright. “Some individuals have a plot in the garden just so they could be with others, learn about the community and get to know others in the community.” 

One local church grew produce and donated it to the food bank. St. Mary’s School had a raised bed in the garden this year. When school wasn’t in session, the school’s garden club members tended to their crops. 

“They were able to incorporate usage of the garden into the curriculum, so it was a great success,” said Wright. 

St. Mary’s and a few others had a sign to mark where their produce was located, and Wright said they might encourage more people to do the same next year, as it adds a personal touch to the gardens, and gives them an esthetic boost. 

One more bed still has to be added, which will give them a total of 18. They might be able to add a few more to their Lynd Crescent, but if they continue to grow, Wright said they would have to look at a second location. 

In-ground beds could also be added to their current location. Some gardeners want to have more produce, but they’re limited by the dimensions of the current 12-foot by four-foot raised beds. 

The community garden received a $4,000 grant from the University of Regina, through the Fulbright Canada-RBC Eco-Leadership Program. Using that money, they were able to purchase some items for the garden, including some new raised beds.

“We now have a shed in the back, so that we can store all of our tools, including a lawn mower, because prior to that, we needed people to load up a lawn mower to come and mow the grass around the area,” said Wright. 

They also have some tools, such as larger-handled tools, that are for individuals who might have mobility issues. 

Representatives from the University of Regina visited the community garden in June, so they could see how the local gardeners were spending the grant money, and to view the garden group’s efforts.

“They were able to see the raised plots,” said Wright. ‘The raised plots are very good for individuals that have difficulty bending down for extended periods of time with an in-ground garden.”

A new sign has also been added to the site, allowing them to feel like it is their home. 

“We are definitely happy with the community surrounding the garden,” said Wright. “We often have individuals coming by who, when we’re out gardening, will come and talk to us and tell us how wonderful the garden looks and how happy they are.” 

People will view the different plants growing, and Wright said that serves as a great way to educate people in the area. 

Committee members also hosted a Seedy Sunday event for the first time in March. It was a big success, she said, as it attracted about 200 people and drew positive reviews from the vendors, so the garden group hopes Seedy Sunday will return to Estevan
next year.