Everyone in the South Cariboo who needs some healthy green sustenance for themselves or their family is welcome to the recently opened Community Place Garden.
South Cariboo Agri-Cultural Enterprise Centre, Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre and South Cariboo Sustainability Society (SCSC) held the grand opening of their Community Place Garden on Birch Avenue and First Street downtown on May 27 in 100 Mile House.
The vegetables are still early in this neck of the woods, but SCSC secretary Peter Jarvis says the produce all disappeared last year, as people were making use of the community garden crops planted by their groups and other volunteers.
“This is the third year we have run it, and we call it the community garden and that’s what it’s meant to be.
“So it’s open to all, and anybody that needs to use it – whether just to bring their sandwich down at lunchtime and add to it or pull vegetables out of the garden.”
The turnout was better earlier in the morning than a little later when the work bee aspect began to dig into the opening event that day, but folks did turn out with shovels, boots and hats to help get things growing this season.
Cold refreshments, treats (such as homemade blueberry tarts), children’s face- painting were enjoyed by family groups of guests and volunteers who attended.
The garden is located next to the 100 Mile Elementary School, which sees regular classes over there weeding, planting, digging or whatever else helps the children learn about being self-reliant as well as topics like botany and volunteerism.
“Last year a single mom talked to me once or twice and was quite knowledgeable about [produce], and she said she thought it was a good benefit to her,” says Jarvis. “And, the school uses it quite extensively now.”
Jarvis tries to volunteer at the garden on Wednesday mornings as much as possible this season, but other volunteers can sometimes be spotted with hoes and hoses.
“There hasn’t ever been any vandalism, [but] there have been people taking more than they need.”
He can be reached for anyone who wishes to help or other information on the community garden can call Peter at 250-791-7284.