When you sign up for a plot in the Sunshine Community Garden in Chilliwack, it's more than just a patch of dirt.
You're joining a community.
The second growing season of the Sunshine Community Garden is underway at the garden site on Wells Drive, operated in partnership with Chilliwack Society for Community Living.
"We're a group of volunteers passionate about growing food and building a community around growing food," says coordinating volunteer Laura Cameron-Delisle.
They have about 50 community garden volunteers so far, and are looking for more. Get ready for a Community Blitz Fundraiser & BBQ, on Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the garden.
Dennis Oesch is an active volunteer, who also tends one of the plots at the Sunshine gardens.
"I just like to putter around," he said.
He appreciates being able to grow vegetables and flowers naturally and organically.
"I like coming here and giving back to nature," he says. "It makes me feel better and I can forget about my pain and my problems. It's much better than TV!"
About 60 plots are available to community members at a cost of $26 per year. As well as several high raised beds and gravel pathways were created for people with mobility issues.
Last year the main focus was on creating the Sunshine garden beds and mapping out the plots. This year they're focusing on more community building and fundraising.
They plan to hold community socials, potlucks, workshops and workbees at the garden.
They're raising funds to pay for a better water system, bike rack, shelter, picnic tables, benches, wheelbarrows and more. They still need more soil, landscape cloth and gravel to get the season underway.
The May 25 event will include an all-day garage sale, with items by donation, and a BBQ fundraiser. There will be a special guest garden workshop at 10 a.m. with a 'Build your own Greek Salad or Salsa garden' demonstration; followed by children’s activities at 11 a.m. The volunteer work bee to help finish the garden starts at about 1 p.m.
"Come out and see what community means in a community garden," Cameron said.
It's first come, first served for the plot rental from Nov. 1 to Oct. 31 of each year.
The garden is located behind the Mathieson Centre on Wells Road.
Send a message to sunshinecommunitygarden@gmail.com or check out the online community at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/440631692634584/?fref=ts
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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