You're Invited to Discover The Magic of Community Gardens

Author: Shannon Courtney - July 2019

At first glance, community gardens might appear to be nothing more than a practical means of allocating fertile land to local residents that don’t have their own backyard in which to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers.  For anyone who has ever tended a plot at a community garden, or even walked amongst the plots during a sunny Saturday during the summer, however, the real power of gardening alongside your neighbours becomes quickly evident.

In short, the community garden is to our cities what the ‘water cooler’ once was to office workers - a place to come together. It’s fertile ground not just for growing food, but for making connections with neighbours, and for sharing knowledge and passions (usually, but not always, concerning food and gardening). 

And really, is there any better conversation starter with a stranger than the topic of food? Everyone has a favourite way to use up that never-ending supply of kale or beans, and everyone loves sharing their tips and tricks for creating the most nutrient-rich soils for growing. Community gardens also invite connections between people that might otherwise not meet in other social circles - kindergarteners and seniors, newcomers and long-time residents, newbie gardeners and retired farmers. The resulting connections are truly magical to all involved. 

So, next time you walk the Confederation Trail behind the Legacy Garden at 420 University Ave, or stroll past the another community garden, take a moment’s pause to appreciate just how invaluable these gardens are to the fabric of our city.  They provide people with access to land so they can grow their own food.  They provide a public green space for everyone to enjoy. They offer educational opportunities for people of all ages, and not just in gardening techniques, but also environmental management, food security, etc. And they provide a safe space for community- and friendship-building.

We do hope you’ll join the Charlottetown Food Council for our first-ever garden party, taking place at the Farm Centre Community Legacy Garden on August 1st, from 5pm to 7pm. All are welcome, there is no cost to attend and there will be free nibbles and light refreshments, along with plenty of conversation and entertainment! 

Find out more about the Food Council's Garden Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/356383078336622/