The first session of Growing Gardeners Education Program took place Wednesday in the Root Cellar's community garden. The program will continue each Wednesday at 7 p.m. between now and September, weather permitting.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
The Growing Gardeners Education Program returned for its second year Wednesday evening.
Offered through a partnership between Medicine Hat’s Community Food Connections Association and Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub, the free public program provides gardeners of all skill levels with tips and tricks to help their garden thrive.
“Gardening can be kind of intense,” Genevieve Mathieu, CFCA garden program co-ordinator, told the News. “There’s a lot of information out there; books, the internet, nurseries, garden centres, that kind of thing … And there aren’t as many garden education resources specific to this area.
“So, this is a free, hands-on garden learning opportunity (which) equips people with tools that they can bring home to their own garden spaces or other gardens that they help with, like community gardens or school gardens.”
The program is held via weekly sessions which take place Wednesdays at 7 p.m. from now until mid-September in the Root Cellar’s community garden (located behind the building with access off Fifth Street SE), weather depending.
“(Each session) is usually about an hour and a half,” said Mathieu. “And each week, we cover a different garden topic. We usually (start with) some kind of discussion and questions, and then later, we have a hands-on component.”
Hatters may choose to attend each session or drop in to the sessions with topics that most appeal to them.
Last year, a total of 30 Hatters took part in the program. Mathieu expects greater numbers this year, and was thrilled to welcome 10 participants to Wednesday’s kickoff session.
“I love to see that people who are coming to (the sessions) are sharing between each other,” said Mathieu. “Every week, people are bringing their own experiences and stories of success … It feels really supportive.”
As well as a providing local gardeners a supportive and welcoming space to learn, Mathieu says the program’s long-term goal is to increase food security locally, by aiding Hatters in their efforts to grow their own food.
All ages are welcome, however the sessions are geared toward adults. No registration is required.
For more information, email cfcagarden@gmail.com or visit CFCA’s Facebook page.
