New community garden proposed for Old Ottawa South

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Michelle Nash

EMC news - This spring, Old Ottawa South is hoping to plant the seeds of community spirit by starting up their own community garden in Brewer Park.

The community garden initiative was started by Lori Waller, an old Ottawa South resident who wanted to bring the community together in a new way. Waller organized an open house on Jan. 15 for residents to see the proposal for the garden and gauge the level of interest.

"(I'm) hoping to get things started this spring," Waller said. "Maybe not the early spring crops, but we definitely would like to be planting in 2012."

She said she was encouraged by the response to the proposal.

"It went very well. Nineteen people were there," Waller said. "The response was really positive."

Waller collected ideas and information from the residents who came out, so she could get a better understanding of the kind of garden the neighbourhood would like to see.

There are currently 26 community gardens in the city and it was the idea of community-driven gardens that attracted Waller.

"Community gardening seems to attract a variety of people, it is something that both new gardeners and seasoned gardeners enjoy," Waller said.

The garden's location is important and Waller has been scouting out various places in Old Ottawa South. The area which has the most potential for a garden is a location in Brewer Park.

Waller is still looking for support from the city and put forward a motion at a recent Old Ottawa South Community Association for their support as well.

"We think it is a great idea," said association president Michael Jenkins. "There were no negative comments and we will be writing a letter of support for the garden."

Waller, who said has room in her own backyard for a garden, wanted to build something the whole community could participate in.

The plans include about 20 plots for participating members. Waller said people would apply for a plot and a membership fee would apply to cover the basic cost of running the garden, including money for tools, compost bins and sod.

"We are also looking at communally maintain plots," she said. "Ideally the people who have the designated plots would be asked to put in volunteer hours for these plots and the communal plots would be for donation."

Proposals for funding from the Just Food community garden network must be submitted by Feb. 1. Waller said there are still a few steps to take before the garden is a reality, but is confident the garden will be added at the park this spring.

michelle.nash@metroland.com