Apr
6
By Pat McGuire
Have you REALLY looked at the price of vegetables these days? Some people know about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) whereby a person pays a farmer in advance for a box of fresh vegetables, on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Other people look for food deals by checking the grocery ads and coupons. Those who have cars can make trips to the Saanich peninsula and buy on the roadside, directly from farmers.
And maybe you know about those plot gardens at Michigan, Superior and Menzies? The gardeners of those plots have to vacate this month, their future location quite uncertain. These are people who love to grow food: they have donated boxes of produce to the James Bay Community Project every week throughout the year.
The parking lot where these gardeners have been growing for many years is part of a large redevelopment in the area bounding Menzies, Michigan, Government and Superior, called the Victoria Accord. The province has sold this land and there is no longer space available for this garden plot community. Neither the City nor the James Bay Community Association have been able to find a suitable location for the Michigan gardeners.
So, do you have a backyard that's not in use? An area that gets good light? Are you willing to at least have a conversation with one of these growers/gardeners, to discuss how you might collaborate in using your backyard/or front yard for growing food? The happy result would be fresh veggies for you and the grower. Of course, you'd need to discuss the hydro water bill, access to your property, and any other matter you deem important. Of paramount importance would be the relationship with you and the grower. Interested in at least discussing such an option?
Please contact candis@telus.net
SUPPORT LOCAL GROWING!