Vegreville Community Garden a Growing Concern

Vegreville Community Garden a Growing Concern

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The May long weekend is the unofficial start of the gardening season in Canada, and things were no different in Vegreville as members of the community gardens were busy planting in their plots.

Kim Kenward, along with her husband Ralph Lange, and daughter Winnie were busy Sunday afternoon.

Kim explained, “This year, with the Agricultural Fair cancelled, the normal end goal for a junior garden isn’t there. But we’ve gotten into the habit and enjoy gardening as a family. With all the lockdown time at home, I even managed to start some of my own bedding plants this year and did some trading with a friend. And since my daughter doesn’t have to plant everything from seed to be looking pretty in time for the fair, she will get the chance to experiment with the longer season and purchased bedding plants.”

Winnie, 14, said they are planting radishes, carrots, pumpkins. They are also going to give watermelon and strawberry popping corn a try. They’re definitely hoping for a better growing season this year and they were very excited to get their hands dirty.

Kim went on to say, “Our family’s time there started as a space for our daughter to plant her junior garden for the Agricultural Fair. We have raised beds at the house but needed some more room. Junior gardeners have to plant a mix of flowers and vegetables, so we had to find another way to keep gardening within the rules. Luckily that was the year the community garden opened, and they were able to accommodate us.

I think our plot was one of two originally intended for Sizzling Summer, but they ended up only using one, and we got the other. The plot was bigger than our daughter needed at the time, so my husband and I planted the rest. Our bit has been getting smaller over time as her section has expanded.”

Sonia Hunka holds up her dahlia bulbs she was planting at the community gardens on May 17. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Sonia Hunka was also enjoying gardening at her plot. Sonia has always had a garden and encourages everyone to give it a try. Besides beets, carrots, and beans, she is planting dahlia’s and sunflowers, which attract bees and provide a nice windbreak.

Sonia has been gardening at the community gardens since its inception in 2014. She said it’s a great form of exercise and loves to eat the organically grown produce. In the past she has also shared some of her bounty with the residents of Homestead Lodge which is adjacent to the community gardens.

The idea for the community gardens came about as a result of a committee that was formed between the Town of Vegreville and the M.D. of Minburn Foundation and Homestead Lodge. Kaleb Brink, Communications Officer with the Town of Vegreville, said, “Community gardens provide a source of food security, support wellness and promote a sense of community. The many benefits they offer include education, social interaction, physical and mental wellbeing, and beautification.”

Today the town solely operates the community gardens. Brink said the gardens are very popular with many participants returning year after year. There are only a few plots available this growing season, and anyone interested should contact the Town of Vegreville for more information.