BONNYVILLE – The Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) has garden plots up for grabs at the Bonnyville community garden, located between the Wholesale Club and Sobeys.
Stephanie Sampson, Education and Outreach Coordinator for LICA, said getting yourself a garden plot requires no experience, and the $20 fee gives you access to the tools you need to begin your gardening journey, access to seeds and water, and first dibs on workshops requiring registration.
“It's a nice place for everyone to be able to collaborate and just spend some time together in nature. Yesterday, just going out and weeding in the garden was very therapeutic for all of us,” said Sampson.
LICA hosts educational workshops throughout the season where gardeners can get together and learn new skills.
“In the past, we’ve done bug hotel building workshops, gardening 101, our seed starting workshop is really popular, and we made DIY seed bombs last year.”
Notably, the Bonnyville Municipal Library also has a free seed library where people can pick up a few seeds and drop off their extras for others to enjoy.
LICA hosts events at the garden including their Family Fun Day on June 14, and they will organize another fall garden market as well.
The garden also has signs indicating community beds, which are free to harvest from.
“Anyone who is in need is more than welcome to go in and take what they need from our community beds. Any of the food that’s left over gets donated to the Bonnyville Friendship Centre Food Bank.”
For those who are worried about theft and vandalism, Sampson explained the gardens are fenced, and you need a gate code to enter.
“Anyone is able to access the gardens though, you just have to call us and we can get you in... Since keeping the gates closed, we haven't had many issues.”
Sampson said having a community garden plot can be a great way to rub shoulders with other garden enthusiasts and enjoy being in community outside with your hands in the dirt.
“We’ve had a lot of gardeners spending time together and helping one another with their plots. If one goes on vacation, someone is willing to cover for them.”
The garden has a whiteboard and a Facebook group so the gardeners can communicate and co-ordinate.
“The other thing that we have right now is business sponsorship plots. Any small business or organization in town is able to sponsor a plot for $50, that covers the cost of any supplies, as well as the plot itself. Then we match them with a nonprofit organization or with someone who wants a plot but can't afford one.”
Non-profits with sponsored garden plots can sign up to have volunteers look after their plot, and are able to harvest whatever they want from it.
The garden has successfully donated produce to the Friendship Centre Food Bank, though last season wasn’t a great gardening season, the previous year they were able to donate almost 300 pounds of produce.
“We're really hoping this year we get a little bit more temperate weather, and that we're able to get a higher yield. If someone really likes gardening, but maybe they don't need as much, they can donate the rest, gift it, or trade with other gardeners.”
Sampson said is 2023 they had a bumper crop of tomatoes.
“We had so many tomatoes that not only did we donate that much produce, but we also hosted a canning workshop and were able to use all tomatoes from our garden. It was pretty cool. We hosted it with the Ladies League from Beaver River Fish and Game. We were able to host two workshops because it filled up so quickly the first time.
Sampson said the best way to contact them is through their website, or phone number, but she also encouraged those interested to stop by in person at their office location in Bonnyville.
