The two community gardens in High River are already going strong this spring.
There are actually four community gardens, but the ones at Sheppard Family Park and the Crossing Church (formerly known as the Full Gospel Church) are run independently of the ones at McLaughlin Meadows and Riverside.
Judy Evans, president of the High River Garden Society, says they run the McLaughlin Meadows Garden and the one at Riverside Drive in the northwest.
The plots are free through the Town of High River, but there is a long waiting list.
"We currently have a wait list of 40 people, which means we won't get through that wait list for three to four years. We only have a turnover of 10 to 12 plots per year." Says Evans.
For those who already have a plot, some have already planted their plot before the May long weekend.
"Absolutely. In Alberta, usually the soil is warm enough come about between the 5th and 20th of May. So, some people their rule of thumb is they plant during the May long weekend, but there are certain vegetables that like cooler soil to germinate, like carrots. So, yes, lots of people have planted plus there are things you can put in your garden that you plant in the fall, like garlic for instance."
If you would like to get your name on the list, your best to go register on their website.
"We have a website, www.HighRiverGardens.org, and that's where people register for a plot, and we at the society for McLaughlin and Riverside assign the plots in the fall."
Evans realizes it may not be the news people are looking for to find out you're on a three- or four-year waitlist, but there's another option.
"It can get frustrating. However, Sheppard Family Park and the Full Gospel Church (aka The Crossing Church) operate a little bit differently, so they're definitely worth checking to see if they have any plots available for this year."
Something unique about the two community gardens the society manages is the Food Forests.
"So, the Food Forest is a common area in both McLaughlin and Riverside, where we grow fruit, and at Riverside, we have a community plot where we grow food for the Food Bank and the Food Rescue program."
Evans added that it's a great way to connect and make new friends.