The first year in existence for the Badlands Community Garden in Newcastle was a success, with harvested greens being delivered to the Salvation Army foodbank twice weekly throughout the summer.
“We didn’t have as many member boxes rented out as hoped, but we were able to use all those extra boxes to donate throughout the summer.”
“I can’t even tell you how many pounds of tomatoes we had.”
Peppers, herbs, zucchini, lettuce were the fruits of labour eaten up by the foodbank every week.
“We were so proud to give back to the community like that, the community has been so generous to us.”
No vandalism or garden raiding had taken place, not counting the deer who took a liking to lettuce growing in the back.
Badlands Community Gardens Society meetings are held at the first of every month, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
About seven members of the society are always around, says Marion, with over a dozen who support the society off and on. Volunteers are always welcome.
“It’s such a great group of people,” says Marion.
This is just the beginning for plans to create a network of gardens throughout the community, and not just food gardens. The society wishes to provide a place to go to get in touch with nature or hang out.
“With the success we had with this garden, there is way more interest out there now. It’s such a generous community... I’ve only heard good things about it.”
