GROW A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY GARDEN – February 2021

If you grow together, you grow together... With Spring on the horizon, it is the perfect time of year to get into a gardening mindset. Several condominium complexes have garden boxes for its owners to ‘grow a green thumb’. Having these garden boxes are fostering a connection amongst neighbors and giving condo dwellers the ability to communicate, participate and bright delight to the table.

Gardening is a ‘gangsta’... says Ron Finley who founded the Ron Finley Project which is very interesting... “We envision a world where people know nutrition and where it comes from. Where all ages embrace the act of growing, knowing and sharing the best of earth’s fresh-grown food. The Ron Finley is teaching communities how to transform food deserts into food sanctuaries, and teaching individuals how to regenerate their lands into creative business models. We envision and want to facilitate a world where gardening is ‘gangsta!’ Check this out - ronfinley.com

The success and sustainability of community gardens relies on community support and on people getting involved. In addition, you don’t have to have a ‘green thumb’ to be involved. Most are set up with allotment plots... a plot of land made available for individual non-commercial gardening or growing of food plants. The plots are managed by individuals who buy the seeds and lants, as well as water, maintain and take care of the plots.

Being involved has many benefits from spending time outdoors, interacting with neighbors, meeting new friends and even experiencing improvements in mental and physical health, and having fresh vegetables and herbs.

Calgary’s growing season is short however we are pleased several developers are incorporating garden boxes as an amenity, and residents love them!