This year, the “community” part of the Oliver Community Gardens is being highlighted by two workshops and the annual fundraising “Bloomin’ Plant Sale”. Everyone is invited to these events, which will all take place at the Gardens themselves. Come check out the little ‘oasis’ in the shade of the Tree of Heaven, right beside the Arts Council’s “Quail’s Nest”, on Airport Road.

May 2, tonight, from 6 to 7:30, bring along some kids who would like to surprise “mom” with a creative “up-cycled” container gardens, out of boots they’ve outgrown, or tea-cups, etc, that are no longer used. Caroline Whyte will guide the projects.(See the ad in ODN). And next Wed., May 11, again from 6 to 7:30 , learn from horticulturalist Seradaye Lean which insects are beneficial, and make your own take-home “bug hotel” to attract them to your own garden. The workshops involve the cost for the materials :$7 for the planters, and $5. for the bug hotel.

The “Bloomin’ Plant Sale” will also be held there, beside the Quail’s Nest. The sale will open Sunday,May 15, at 8;30, and end at 11 am. Get your perennials, annuals, herbs, veges while also checking out the charming spot where the Community Gardens are located. Make it a family event, since there will be several cool kids’ activities, such as making “seed bombs”, etc. As in the past, we’ll appreciate all donated plants from the wider community, and from the various Garden Centres for the purpose of this fundraiser. It will support our “infrastructure” costs of irrigation repairs, soil enhancement, and other improvements to the Community Gardens. Please contact Heather, our president, at 485-2575 or email: olivercommunitygarden@yahoo.com for any arrangements regarding the drop off of donated plants.

There will be more activity in the future, with school children learning to grow vegetables, various people growing cooperatively for the sake of supplying the food bank, and new garden plot renters to join the “regulars”. There are a few spots still available: again, Heather is the one to talk to.

And on the workshop horizon for later in May an in June we have Companion Planting, Square Foot Gardening, and building and planting a “Herb Spiral”. We’ll keep you posted at our website: olivercommunitygarden.wordpress

Hoping to see many of you participating in this particular way of “growing our community”!

The Oliver Community Garden Society

by Brita Park