Ponoka’s FCSS CommUnity garden has no more room to grow.
The garden’s season began the first week of May and all of the 44 plots have been registered.
This is the second year all 44 plots have been taken. An expansion project is being considered from the garden due to its popularity.
“It’s created a lot of partnerships in the community,” said Kimberly McMurray, program co-ordinator. “Last year a nursery donated tomato plants and the fire department filled our water tanks.”
McMurray believes the garden is a good place to involve community members from all demographics, and for those who don’t know much about gardening to learn more.
“It’s also about food security. It’s becoming an issue.” With the garden there is more access to fresh produce, McMurray said.
In 2010 Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins presented the garden with a New Horizons for Seniors grant, for $2,250.
Each season the garden costs $500 to run. The money collected from the registration of the plots covers that cost.
The money goes toward the general upkeep of the garden; such as buying new hoses, creating a compost area, caring for the communal herb garden, rototilling, and fortifying the fence that surrounds the garden from animals such as porcupines and deer.
Participants are able to register for more than one plot. The first plot is $20 and after that they are an additional $10.
The garden is located at the end of 35 Avenue, behind a group of trees and near a creek that comes off of the Battle River.