Sandown Centre Community Gardens
Spring 2022
Hi! My name is Shannon Swan and I am a third year Environmental Studies & Political Science student working at the Sandown Centre this summer! I have the exciting task of beginning the community gardens project, to have plots available for rent by Spring 2022.
I grew up in community gardens, greenhouses, and farms in the East Kootenays and I am currently a board member and gardener at the UVic Community Gardens. Personally and professionally, all of my interests involve food: cooking it, fermenting it, growing it, and advocating for increased food security and sustainability on Vancouver Island!
Why?
We envision a lively community garden space where you can get your hands dirty, grow food for your families, meet your neighbours, re-localize food production, and contribute to the regenerative stewardship project at the Sandown Centre.
What & Where?
The community gardens will be accessible from Glamorgan Road, adjacent to the Farmpreneur program and community program offerings. This ever-evolving growing hub is part of the larger Sandown site of forest, wetland and Tseycum creek headwaters. Therefore, it is essential that the community garden practices serve to steward and protect these ecosystems.
The design will feature raised beds using the Douglas fir boards that once lined the Sandown horse stables. For the more experienced gardeners, we will also offer larger in-ground allotment plots.
Who?
Local residents are invited to become part of the community gardens by renting a raised bed or allotment garden. Raised beds are available on a first come, first served basis. Cost will be $100/per calendar year, which will include the use of water and tool access (additional cost of automatic irrigation to be determined).
How?
Fill in the form below to sign up for plot rental and volunteer parties to get this project off the ground. We will be hosting in-person work parties in July to begin building out the gardens to have plots ready by Spring 2022.
Your plot will be your own to care for through the year. Additionally, we will host several garden work bees through the year- your chance to meet neighbours and work together to equip and beautify the shared garden spaces. Participation in these work bees will be part of your responsibility as a plot renter.