July 30, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Cultural, Community or Seasonal
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When my friend asked me if I wanted to go along with her to water her garden, I was very intrigued by the garden she could possibly have since she lives in an apartment building. After explaining that she had a plot at the Community Gardens that needed watering and weeding, I happily agreed to join her. I was aware that City of Fort St. John was planting many edible plants around the City buildings to promote renewable landscaping, but I didn’t know too many details on the Community Gardens. After stopping to grab a couple of slushies, she drove right past the downtown cemetery and parked. I was a bit skeptable of where exactly she was taking me; however, I followed her lead to numerous raised beds. It looked like quite an enchanted place to me with rows and rows of individual gardening plots. After snooping at other gardener’s sprouting plants, we started pulling all of the pesky weeds that were growing in between the thriving vegetables. Even though each plot only measures 5 x 8 feet, many potatoes, peas, beans, carrots, and radishes exploded from the dark soil. It is still a bit early in the growing season so I was unable to take any fresh produce home this time, but I’m sure the veggies will be fully grown in a few more weeks. It was also very nice that the Community Gardens are supplied with several gardening tools, watering cans, hoses, and water on-site so everything we needed was at our fingertips. I learned for myself that these gardens truly are community orientated through the countless friendly people who were offering their advice and assistance while we were there. Also, I found it very charming that a small red stick on the corner of the plots signaled that the plot needed watering by anyone who had a couple minutes to spare. Visitors, as well as local residents can stop by the Community Gardens at any point during the summer to see the growing progress and lend a helping hand while digging around in the dirt. As I was walking back to our car, I couldn’t stop commenting on how great of an idea the Community Gardens are! For those who are just starting out gardening, don’t have a backyard of their own, or simply don't have the time to tend to a large area, the Community Gardens in Fort St. John are spectacular!