By Shannon Grey Duncan

Now approaching the end of 2013, the Cranbrook Food Action Committee is reflecting on a positive second growing season for the Cranbrook Public Produce Garden.

This year saw a dramatic increase in participation at the garden and further development of garden beds and infrastructure.

To increase accessibility to the garden, particularly for seniors and those with physical disabilities, a four-foot-wide compressed gravel walkway was built this fall, leading from the street into the garden. As part of the same project, funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program, at the end of the pathway is the newly constructed timber frame pergola (pictured) that will make picnics and rest much more comfortable next year!

A great number of people have made use of this communally managed garden space, and the enthusiastic care ensured no plants went dry all season! Many individuals in the community have donated plants, seeds, tools, and time toward the development of this space. Their many years of combined experience in local gardening has helped guide us in the right direction. The involvement by such groups as the Kootenay East Youth Program, Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club, Stepping Out Program, Community Action Program for Children, Bellies to Babies, the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupon Program and school classes from Mount Baker Secondary School, among others, contributed greatly to the growth of a healthy harvest all season long.

The care and time given to the garden this year by so many different people have helped create a beautiful and productive space. Now that the pergola and walkway are in place, the second half of the garden can be transformed to productive food growing space in the spring of 2014. As this converted space in Eric MacKinnon Park was historical farmland, the soil is so fertile there has hardly been the need to add amendments and the produce has been prolific.

As the winter months of reflection descend upon us, gardeners turn to dream time and the Cranbrook Food Action Committee invites you to include the Public Produce Garden in that space to contribute desires and ideas for the future. The success of this space is measured by the number of people actively involved, learning, and eating from the garden.

When the weather starts warming in the spring, keep your eyes and ears open for a celebration of our new pergola and planning sessions for the 2014 season. Thank you to everyone in the community for embracing this exciting project and the communal sense of ownership intrinsic in its success. It is a valuable community space for seniors, children, and every age in between.

If you have questions or feedback, please contact Shannon at (250)427-7981, [email protected] or like the ‘Cranbrook Food Action Committee’ Facebook page to stay updated.

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