The Houston community garden lunch at site two on Park Lane and Hagman Crescent had a successful turnout on Aug. 25 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Initiated by the Houston Link to Learning, the Houston community garden has been going on for over 20 years, but site two was just built this year in June.
It was the first lunch the community garden had hosted at their second site. There was water, fruits, chips and pizza to be consumed. And good company to be enjoyed.
The lunches are held bi-weekly as a way to thank the community for their support and for respecting the area.
“There were some nay-sayers saying that it wouldn’t work up here because of destruction of property. But not once has it ever been touched. The garbage has been minimal. [People] are respecting the property,” said Jen Williams, Adult Literacy Coordinator at Houston Link to Learning.
Management of Blackstone Enterprise donated the land for the community garden to use, wood was donated by PIR West Fraser, the soil was donated by Ron Groot, and all the beds were built by volunteers.
“We want to put in at least eight more beds, because all the beds were filled this year. And we did have some [people] waiting to obtain one if they weren’t filled. We are really hoping to get a donation of lumber from somewhere. It’s been very successful,” said Williams.
Registering for a garden bed is free, and the Houston Link to Learning provides a selection of seeds for people to use if they don’t have their own to bring.
The best time to sign up is in May for both garden sites.
“It is for one year. Regular participants--like if you were here this year and you worked your bed--we do give you preference to the same bed for next year,” explained Williams.
If you are interested in signing up for a garden bed contact Jen Williams or Mia Mcgonigal at 250-845-2727.
And mark your calendar on Sept. 15 for the next regular BBQ at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And on Sept. 29 between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the harvest BBQ at the main site located at the end of North Copeland Avenue. There will be both food to be consumed and harvesting to be done at the garden.