June 3, 2012

A few of the community garden members met today to discuss what has been happening at the garden and what needs to be done to get things rolling.
 

• The garden has been delayed due to some issues with a very few number of residents at Luther Heights.  Changed had to be made to the original plans which has caused some serious delays in getting started.  The concerns about a good looking, attractive garden are the same concerns we all have and reminds us all of the responsibility to create something beautiful.  We will continue to work with all residents of Luther Heights and hope that over the years we will build something we can all be proud of
• We have opened a bank account and have about $610, a $30 credit from Canadian Tire, $1000 from the NPRH Community Association,  and will be receiving a $1500 grant from CHEP.  Some of this money will be used to pay for trenching the water lines and paying for deliveries to the site (as described below)
• This year will definitely be a building and planning year.  With the late start it will be difficult for all gardeners to do everything they had originally intended.   These first few years, it will take lots of effort to battle weeds and pests so it's VERY important that everyone get out and work their plot as soon as possible.
• Alex, Jay, and Rylan will be working to trench the water lines from Luther Heights to the garden on Tuesday, June 5, starting at about 4pm
• Many of the plots were staked out today making it a lot easier to see where the paths and plots are.  Alex is working to arrange delivery of 60cubic yards of compost to be delivered as soon as possible. The soil contains a lot of clay and will need to be worked with compost and peat/coco husks OR many people may prefer to do raised beds or container gardens.  I know I learned a lot talking to Lois
• With the City Park Community Garden shed burning down, many of us are concerned about the costs and consequences of building a shed.  Alex has proposed building a shelter with a roof where we can attached and lock our tools in cabinets instead.  For the first while it may require gardeners to bring their own tools.
• Alex is working on getting mulch and compost delivered to the site.  The compost will be each individual gardener's responsibility once it's delivered, but the mulch will require a work bee.  The residents of Luther Heights are very concerned about the asthetics of the garden so it would be nice if we could get enough people out to help out once the mulch arrives.  Jay is working on locating landscaping fabric and/or cardboard to protect against weed under the mulch
• Jay is also inquiring about raspberry bushes.  The northern edge of the garden is a bit lower and some bushes to help shelter from wind would be helpful.  (I'll keep you all posted once I know more).
• Please email me (Jay Kennard - jaykennard@gmail.com) if there's anything you'd like me to add to this site.  I just wanted to get something up so everyone knows what's going on.  I hope to have a page on gardening information, workshops, a garden calendar, etc. for everyone to access. I hope this gets the ball rolling!