Gardening tools are on stand-by. Photo by Bob Whitelaw
Members of the Lees Community Garden are marking a third year at their site. The original 13 sections opened in June 2012 increased by seven last year.
This year, the group was expecting to add four to six plots based on new funding. New benches for the enjoyment of residents of the nearby Lees Apartment buildings are now part of the scene.
There are also five ground-level flower and ornamental planting beds adjoining the garden. These additions are meant for gardeners who want to grow only flowers. Soil conditions in the beds are not suitable for vegetables.
The new vegetable plots and flower beds, along with the movement of previous gardeners, offered an opportunity for renewal of the list of gardeners itself.
Lees Community gardeners, along with fellow gardeners throughout Old Ottawa East, counted the days leading to the new planting seasons.
Winter months had been occupied with seed catalogues and online searches about new ways to take advantage of garden plots.
Lees gardens membership involves only a modest annual fee and a minimum annual commitment of 10 hours to assist with garden maintenance. This allows for continual upkeep and improvement.
Community support for the gardens includes the City of Ottawa, which provided the garden land; Fiskars, the initial sponsor and contributor of planning and building; Sustainable Living Ottawa East; Sandy Hill Community Health Centre; Cosmo Mart, and the management and staff at the Rideau East Apartments, 170 Lees Ave.
For the avid gardener, one of the plots is experimenting by leaving parsnips over winter. Garlic cloves were planted late last fall for a harvest this year.
For all gardeners – spades, rakes, and seeds/bedding plants are at the ready throughout the season.
Additional information is available at leescommunitygarden@gmail.com.
