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5130 Brenton Page Rd
Ladysmith, BC

Kiwi Cove Community Garden

The story behind the garden evolution   ::  garden gallery

The garden began as a private activity on private land. In 2006 an informal partnership was invited in order to get help tending the garden and to achieve a greater benefit from it.

The Ladysmith Resources Centre, FACT (Ladysmith Food Action Co-ordination Team), Community Link and individual community members became involved and 2 goals were formed

• To create inclusive hands-on learning opportunities
• To grow fresh produce for food bank recipients

The property owners operate a B&B style lodge on the property and some of the vegetables grown are harvested for serving the guests. Volunteers may be permitted to take a minimal amount of the harvest. By far the greatest amount of the harvest is delivered weekly to the local food bank.

A significant amount of funds were donated in 2008 by the Ladysmith Safeway Store to show support for the involvement of persons with developmental disabilities. These funds allow tools and implements to be purchased as needed as well as seeds and some of the plants. Funds from the Vancouver Foundation and Community Living BC support an honorarium for a garden and volunteer co-ordinator  who assists with the creation of a garden plan, supports the volunteers and oversees the planting and schedule. Most of the seedlings are donated by nurseries and the garden plan may be adjusted for what is at hand. Bean seedlings are grown by students attending Ecole Davis Road School.

The garden is 124’ X 34’ or roughly ¼ acre. Each spring the entire area is plowed by the owner and often rotovated by a local farmer. Harvesting can begin in July with radishes,  swiss chard and kale. Peas, beans, cauliflower, potato, tomato, chives, parsley, corn, peppers, zucchini, cucumber, squash, broccoli and carrots are harvested till early October. Cool weather crops such as cabbage, chard, kale, beets and brussel sprouts continue to be productive later.

The vegetables are grown organically using compost, farm manure, and fish fertilizer.

To add some creative input, an area is always dedication as an imagination garden and has seen painted tree stumps, re cycled ornaments and always a riot of colorful flowers.

The ongoing challenge has been getting enough persons to do the hands on work. Each year the word is put out to community groups and individuals alike to join us in the garden and to enjoy  the benefits of growing real food.
To get involved contact by email Kiwi Cove Lodge or phone 250 245 8051

For more info on food sustainability  www.foodlinknanaimo.com  www.web.viu.ca/praxis/FACT/index.htm