Thanks to all who made it out last Saturday to the Community Orchard Build! With nearly 30 volunteers, we planted over 20 plants, built 3 cedar arbours, and even pulled a few boulders out of the ground.
It was great to meet everyone from the neighbourhood - many of us learned a great deal about how to plant fruit trees. We also got some really good suggestions for how to shape the site!
Youth Media was kind enough to come by and document our build - we'll have pictures from the build up on the site soon!
We'll be back at work this coming Sunday (July 31st, 10:30AM onwards). Hopefully the weather holds up and we'll get a lot done! On the list, we have:
1) Planting the remaining Salmonberry and Blackcap Raspberry shrubs on the perimetre garden
2) Building benches out of the cedar logs on the site
3) Weeding and mulching the remainder of the site
4) Adding lattice to the cedar trellises
I look forward to seeing everybody on Sunday!
Jason
778.238.3300
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
It may be the 22nd of July today but it sure doesn't look like summer in Vanc
ouver. Of course, this has quite an impact not only on ourselves but also on the lovely plants everyone has been nurturing for the past few months and looking forward to enjoying and harvesting during the summer. While you may be finding, as we are, that your sun-lovin' plants such as tomatoes are shy to peak out in this chilly weather, many of our rooftop plants are showing their bravery and growing beautifully. We have had incredible success with our beans, peas, kale, lettuce, and many others. Luckily, it is not too late to plant many of these varieties and still have success with them.
ouver. Of course, this has quite an impact not only on ourselves but also on the lovely plants everyone has been nurturing for the past few months and looking forward to enjoying and harvesting during the summer. While you may be finding, as we are, that your sun-lovin' plants such as tomatoes are shy to peak out in this chilly weather, many of our rooftop plants are showing their bravery and growing beautifully. We have had incredible success with our beans, peas, kale, lettuce, and many others. Luckily, it is not too late to plant many of these varieties and still have success with them.One of the most striking plants for our rooftop this year has been our nasturtiums, which are on display in the pictures shared here. With both edible leaves and flowers, it's no wonder these garden beauties are popular in home gardens. If you like the look of the red, orange, and yellow flowers that can catch an eye or two even on the most dreary days, it is not too late to plant them. And if you're wondering what their use is, that is completely understandable. In an edible garden they are great because they can add a little colour to what can often be an otherwise boring landscape. If you have an aphid problem--or are afraid you might--you will find that they love nasturtiums and may leave your other plants alone. Our beans were saved by having nasturtiums in and around them. Of course, these nasturtiums we do not eat.
Once harvested and out of the garden, nasturtiums are still great! We have been using the leaves on sandwiches in place of lettuce to add that bit of crunch. They have a flavour that is subtle but nice. For example, we used them in a tuna sandwich served during one of our Community Lunches. The flowers are also great in a salad for colour and flavour. If you are interested in the use of nasturtiums or cooking with others from the community please join us at our Community Kitchen next Wednesday, July 27, from 5-8pm. In the plans? A nasturtium pesto! This is bound to be fun and interesting. Please call to register at 604-435-0323 ext 237.Thursday, July 14, 2011
Plant Now for Fall and Winter Harvests
Harvesting garlic scapes for community kitchen.Rising energy costs and bad southern weather increased Canadian food prices by 2.1% in February and another 3.3% in March. Average vegetable prices rose 18.6%--lettuce cost 66.6% more than it did in March 2010!
According to a report called Resetting the Table: A People's Food Policy for Canada, about 2.5 million Canadians have uncertain access to sufficient safe, nutritious food. Food bank use rose 28% in two years and many of our neighbours must work harder than ever to put food on the table. Meanwhile the Conservative government’s food policy focuses on profitable crop exports rather than food insecurity in our communities.
So it’s no wonder that Canadians are increasingly interested in growing food at home. For new and seasoned gardeners alike, 2011’s long, cold spring was very discouraging but not to worry--July is still the perfect time to plant!
Take advantage of our mild winters and enjoy garden vegetables through the cold months. Plant collards, garlic, crinkled leaf kales, kohlrabi, leeks, and rutabagas now. Try arugula, Asian greens, corn salad, curly parsley, lettuces (try Winter Density or Rouge d’Hiver), spinach, and Swiss chard—but cover in winter.
Weather varies from year to year so be willing to experiment and don’t give up if you don’t always get great results. Keep a gardening journal and take note of what worked and what didn’t.
Visit West Coast Seeds for more gardening tips for our climate. Good luck!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Community Orchard One-Day Build - Saturday July 23
Bring your gloves, shovel, drill, some friends, or just yourself, and meet others in the neighbourhood. We are going to be installing trellises, building garden beds, planting trees, and doing some major pruning - so come join us!
The Orchard will be a learning garden, where many sustainable and organic growing methods will be showcased - growing on trellises, in espalier, even in PVC pipes!
We`ll have snacks and refreshments - we hope to see you all there!
Salsa Canning
Rooftop Garden radishes.
We will be having a salsa canning workshop at Collingwood Neighbourhood House on July 19 from 2-5pm. Please register by contacting Stephanie.
We're also gearing up to build a toolshed at Cheyenne Avenue Community Garden. Progress is clipping along at the Horley Street Orchard and dates for big work parties will be posted very soon. We're excited to get some Native edibles into the ground and to get trellises prepared for fall tree planting.
Chicken Coop Project Seeking Vancouver Seniors for Youth/Senior Chicken Coop and Gardening Project
Tending Generations (TG) is a project conceived by local chicken coop builder Duncan Martin of DailyEggs.com, by Lester’s Army Magazine and the Environmental Youth Alliance. The mission of TG is to bring together seniors and youth through food production — namely laying hens and vegetable gardens.
TG is currently seeking interested seniors, seniors’ homes, or individuals who are interested in participating and/or allowing a small plot of garden space for the project (around 100 sq. ft.). Commitment levels are flexible, and accessibility can be accommodated for people with disabilities.
Participation:
Participation involves: providing input into the design of a chicken coop (to be constructed by DailyEggs and community volunteers), sharing in the care (and eggs!) of a flock of 3-4 hens, tending a small garden patch for consumption by participants. Seniors with gardening/food production experience are encouraged to take part, as they can pass this knowledge to younger participants. The start date of the project is not set in stone, but TG hopes to commence in September after school has come back in session.
Both long-term and short-term commitment are encouraged.
Get involved!
If you are interested in either hosting a coop/garden plot or participating in any way, please contact Duncan Martin by July 6th at 604-329-3863 or at DailyEggs@gmail.com. Please feel free to pass this on to your networks and any seniors who may like to get involved.
Employment Opportunity
Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network (TLCC) Coordinator Position
Trout Lake/Cedar Cottage Food Security Network (TLCC)
JOB POSTING
Position Title: TLCC Coordinator
Reports to: TLCC Board of Directors
Term of Contract: Start immediately – January 2012 with possibility of extension.
Hourly Wage: $20.00/hr, 16 hrs/wk. Flexible schedules can be negotiated.
Deadline: Applications must be received by 4:30pm, Friday July 15th 2011
Description of Position:
The TLCC Coordinator will oversee overall TLCC coordination and support related activities with the following goals:
Primarily responsible for actively pursuing & securing sustainable and ongoing funding for the TLCC activities.
Support and maintain the existing pocket markets at Brant Villa, Orchard Park, Reclaiming Our Spirit and Culloden Court.
Regular distribution of relevant information to Network members. Coordinate and facilitate monthly TLCC Board meetings
Build community capacity to be involved in food security initiatives and increase awareness of available food security resources and networking opportunities.
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals and create a “sustainability plan”.
• Identify and sustain opportunities for capacity building and partnerships between community leaders and agencies which would help support the work of the TLCC over the long term.
• Maintain and develop an email distribution list and blog. Develop promotional materials for Network activities.
• Monitor program finances, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure responsible budget implementation.
• Collaborate with other food security networks in Vancouver to share resources and identify opportunities for strengthening working relationships.
Qualifications:
• Sound understanding of food security principles and the spectrum of food based programs in Vancouver
• Confident leadership experience with community development and capacity building approaches to project development.
• Experience with community work and committee based processes, particularly related to pocket markets or farmer’s markets
• Strong grant writing and funding report writing skills
• Strong communication and computer skills, organization and time-management
• Must have a valid Food Safe certificate or be willing to obtain one.
• Experience with volunteer supervision, recruitment and training
NOTE: this position requires use of your own vehicle and a home based workspace.
Applications will be accepted until 4:30pm, Friday July 15th 2011.
Please submit your resume and cover letter to:
TLCC Food Security Board of Directors
Attn: Marlene Bell, Reclaiming Our Spirits
Helping Spirit Lodge Society
Fax:604-874-6635 or Email:spiritros@telus.net
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