After the addition of a pavilion, washroom facility and accessible garden beds, organizers of the Altona Community Garden are anticipating a more
relaxed year in 2024.
Now that the main infrastructure is in place, spokesperson Jack Heppner expects 2024 to be a quieter year, allowing them to focus on the gardeners.
"I felt last year, between working with the gardeners and working with the project, you couldn't do justice on both sides. This year I can spend more of my time working with the gardeners and making sure everything is working. We're looking to probably expand the garden again. I have a waiting list again for about 15 new plots right now, and it hasn't even started. In spring, that's when the rush begins. We're expecting to expand the garden northward either by 12 or 20 regular plots. We're not sure, depending on the demand."
Adding more plots will require another water tank.
The new year won't totally void of new initiatives.
In his year-end review, Heppner says they still need to design and build the water distribution system for the accessible garden beds using stainless steel piping. Although this will not likely be done by planting time, there will be a water source provided close at hand.
An Orchard Task Force has been formed to begin developing a community orchard north of the garden. A few volunteer positions will also be offered said Heppner.
"Gardeners can make application to become a volunteer at the garden. Volunteering for assigned tasks they can get rent-free plots to garden in. I think that'll work out. Thinking about 3 or 4, maybe 5 volunteers who will just keep everything humming and keep everything cleaned up, looking good."
Some workshops are being planned as well.
"I mean, the pavilion is there with the tables and all that. The idea is to maybe have some meetings with the gardeners talking about how to do stuff, how to plant carrots. That's a big question. How come my carrots don't work? Well, here's the way you can plant carrots that'll work every time. Anybody could come. It wouldn't just be the gardeners. We'll announce it in the community if you want to show up for a particular workshop."
Heppner points out that the commons area is a public space that's available to rent for private functions. Reservations can be made through the Altona Parks and Rec Office.
He points out that the commons area is a public space that's available to rent for private functions. Reservations can be made through the Altona Parks and Rec Office.
Altona Community Action Network, which manages the garden, welcomes donations toward further development of the project.
Excess donations will be put towards the orchard project.
~With files from Candace Derksen~
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