Community Gardens provide a bounty of benefits for Calgarians Community Gardens are sprouting up all over Calgary. In 2008 there were 376 public community garden plots in Calgary. In 2009 that number shot up to 667 and the upward trend hasn’t slowed down yet. Written by: Katie Duke Date: November 16, 2010 Perhaps more people are recognizing the benefits of organic produce that is healthier for the pocket book and for the environment when grown in their own neighbourhood. Maybe the economic downturn has spurred more people into gardening because its cheaper, if more labour intensive, than buying vegetables at the grocery store. Since many people don’t have a suitable backyard in which to plant a garden they turn to community gardens. Plots in community gardens can range in size considerably but the most common size for plots that use raised garden beds is four foot by eight foot. Other communities have shared gardens where everyone gardens the same large plot and harvests from it. Rental rates also vary, from no annual fee to about fifty dollars a year. Some community gardens, such as the Fort Calgary community garden, grow produce mainly for different charities that provide food to low income Calgarians. The City of Calgary prioritizes the approval of community gardens that provide outreach or educational programs and serve as a resource for marginalized Calgarians. Community gardens are not solely about growing produce. Some do not grow food at all but are butterfly gardens or are simply created with the goal of beautifying the community and providing a space for neighbors to meet and enjoy nature. "I've experienced huge benefits from community gardening!" reports Tara Gallimore, 24, a student who started gardening at the University of Calgary community garden this year. At the top of her list is the social aspect of the experience. "I met my boyfriend through the community garden plus I met lots of other students with similar interests." Gardening also allows people to spend time outside and get some physical activity. "It's really nice to be in the outdoors. The physical work makes me feel good, like after you have a good work out at the gym," says Gallimore. The Calgary Horticultural Society has recognized the importance of increasing the number and quality of community gardens in Calgary and has created the Community Garden Resource Network to meet this goal. The Network is supported by the Calgary Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The Network provides resources and advice to anyone interested in community gardening. Given the recent growth in popularity of community gardens the City of Calgary has recently formalized guidelines for them. Someone wanting to start a public community garden and who can mobilize a group of at least ten volunteers can apply for City approval and may receive up to five thousand dollars in support. The required documents and procedures are listed on the City of Calgary's website. The Community Garden Resource Network also provides advice and support to those wanting to start a community garden in their neighborhood. For those new to gardening knowing were to start can appear daunting. Beginner gardeners should not hesitate to join a community garden though. Gallimore admits that the initial idea of joining the University community garden was intimidating. "My gardening experience was very minimal before I started. The idea was scary, but once I got there it was just the opposite. Everyone was really warm and welcoming and it was easier and more fun than I expected it to be." Gallimore learned about the community gardening opportunity through a friend but for others the Community Garden Resource Network is the best way to learn how to get involved. The Network keeps profiles along with contact information for community gardens in Calgary and posts these on their website, http://www.calhort.org/communitygardening/default.aspx. Thirty different community gardens are currently listed but an updated list with an expanded number of garden profiles should be available soon. Prospective gardeners looking for a plot in a community garden should look early though as they generally fill up. "To my knowledge all garden plots were rented out last summer and some gardens had waiting lists," says Gael Blackhall of the Community Garden Resource Network. Blackhall also recommends subscribing to Community GardeNews to learn about upcoming community gardening events. Email communitygardens@calhort.org to sign up. With the increasing emphasis on eating locally grown and organic produce, combined with the trend towards reconnecting communities and neighbours, the number of Calgarians enjoying the benefits of community gardening is sure to grow. Sources City of Calgary Community Garden Information Calgary Horticultural Society- Community Garden Resource Network Gael Blackhall, Community Garden Resource Network Tara Gallimore The City of Calgary News Blog