Once upon a time, we had a magical garden. It was in the Children's Garden of the Royal Botanical Garden in Hamilton, and we grew beans and tomato, lettuce, peppers and cucumbers. More than we could eat. We cooked and froze and shared.
In Owen Sound the number of community gardens is growing. The CMHA garden helps to provide fresh produce for their brunch program. The United Way garden is shared with community members and the Metis centre. The M'Wikwedong garden features the "three sisters" of corn, squash and beans.
This year a new garden is beginning on farm land in the midst of Owen Sound. Already a family of brothers is talking about a plot of giant pumpkins!
To provide a full range of fresh local vegetables throughout the season, the best bet is to participate in a CSA - Community Shared Agriculture. Community members pay for a share of the produce of local farms picked up weekly. The variety changes according to the season, and the members share the risk with the farmer - if the weather ruins the peas, there are no peas.
But they share the bounty of a great season too - tomatoes galore!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sparrowgrass
That's what my mother always called asparagus. It's not up yet (after all we do live in Grey County) but it's time to start book-marking recipes. Asparagus is a great spring tonic - full of minerals and vitamins, fibre and flavour.
Growing asparagus is only for those with well-drained soil, patience and the maturity to delay gratification. If that's not you, be grateful that such people exist and are planting more and more local asparagus.
Perhaps rhubarb is more suited to your temperament. For centuries this perennial vegetable (yes, it's actually a vegetable) from Siberia was used only medicinally (don't ask). Now we know better, and this no-care Ontario perennial even has its own annual party - the Rosy Rhubarb Festival in Shedden Ontario. If you want some in your own garden, ask around. Rhubarb spreads, and your friends may have some to divide and share.
Rhubarb is full of potassium, vitamin C and calcium, and after you've had your fill of pies and crisps, be sure you freeze and can rhubarb to enjoy healthy smoothies, punch and sauces all winter long.
Growing asparagus is only for those with well-drained soil, patience and the maturity to delay gratification. If that's not you, be grateful that such people exist and are planting more and more local asparagus.
Perhaps rhubarb is more suited to your temperament. For centuries this perennial vegetable (yes, it's actually a vegetable) from Siberia was used only medicinally (don't ask). Now we know better, and this no-care Ontario perennial even has its own annual party - the Rosy Rhubarb Festival in Shedden Ontario. If you want some in your own garden, ask around. Rhubarb spreads, and your friends may have some to divide and share.
Rhubarb is full of potassium, vitamin C and calcium, and after you've had your fill of pies and crisps, be sure you freeze and can rhubarb to enjoy healthy smoothies, punch and sauces all winter long.
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