Year two is now in the books for the team behind the Rockland Community Garden, and it proved to be a successful season leading to a bright future.
Membership numbers grew (from 19 in year one to 31 new people joining in year two), while the team was able to secure some important partnerships that helped support numerous causes across the city of Clarence-Rockland.
“Overall, we are really happy with how the year went,” said Stephanie Marcil, co-founder and community building director with the Rockland Community Garden. “We have just been on the go with so many projects, and it has been exciting for us to see how many people have joined us and have renewed for next year.”
The Rockland Community Garden officially opened in June pf 2023 and allows residents to participate in voluntary fresh produce exchanges, access fresh produce donations, and participate in educational workshops and projects.
Marcil said it’s important for the organization to provide that sense of community and opened a space where people can experience a shared interest in gardening and produce, while also ensuring that the Rockland Community Garden is doing its part to support several community programs and causes.
“Some of our members want to be part of something, and we give them that opportunity,” added Marcil. “We want people to have an area where they can feel comfortable.”
The second year of the Rockland Community Garden saw the creation of 50 garden memberships of different styles; over 800 square (sq) feet (ft) of growing space to donate fresh produce to local food banks; more than 400 sq ft of growing space for flowers; two storage sheds filled with supplies and tools for our participants; six 1000L tanks collecting rainwater; one vermicomposting bench; an orchard of over 20 fruit trees and shrubs; trellis system for the donation garden; signage to guide visitors and a children’s garden with two large raised planters and a pergola.
“People join us because they might not have enough space at home, and they want to do plant more,” added Marcil. “We give them a space so they can continue to garden and really feel proud of what they are doing.”
The team also established some key partnerships with businesses and local organizations, including teaming up with Café Joyeux in collecting donations for the Rockland Food Bank.
Together, the Rockland Community Garden and Café Joyeux initiative collected 586 pounds pf produce, which was later given to the Rockland Food Bank.
“We are always looking ahead, thinking about other partnerships that we can create and keep that spirit of giving back to the community,” noted Marcil. “We also hope that we can secure some sponsorships, because we do want to keep everything free for people.”
Marcil said while the team is constantly thinking about the future (new partnerships, what to build on, what can be improved among the topics of discussion), the team has shifted its focus to its second annual Growing Green Fair, which is scheduled for March 2, 2025 at L’École secondaire catholique l’Escale.
The inaural event back on March 3 of this year showcased over 50 vendors and community groups that held seminars and workshops throughout the day. Participants learned how to grow a flourishing kitchen garden, about organic pest control, conserving vegetables, foraging and how important trees are for community well-being.
“The first was such a success, we are bringing it (Growing Green Fair) back,” said Marcil. “It was such a big hit and proved that there is a demand for something like this.”
More information can be found at www.rocklandcommunitygarden.ca.
