Dear Editor,
Much discussion is going around our community regarding the relocation of our Community Garden. While we are disappointed, we believe the Town of Barrhead is acting in good faith and is actively looking for a new spot for us.
To that end, we have formed a Garden Relocation Committee and will be working with the Town to make the transition as seamless as possible.
The current garden is the culmination of five years of hard work and the kindness of the Wes Schneider family for their support
The County of Barrhead, through the Ag Service Board, were generous in their contribution of experts to get us going. They were supported by volunteers (gardeners and non gardeners) and many residents of the town and county. One such volunteer is Dick Middlebrough, who put his heart and soul (and about 5000 hours) into our garden.
FCSS was kind in connecting us with volunteers to help maintain the common areas and some of the plots. The Business Community has been exceedingly supportive. There is a large sign as you enter the garden that names all those individuals and businesses who have helped us.
It is heartwarming to hear from our supporters and to know the community is behind us.
One such supporter, Jane Wakeford, sent this to us.
“Why I love the Community Garden:
I moved back to Barrhead in the fall of 2013. A factor in my decision to come here was the presence of a Community Garden. Right away, I made up my mind that it would be an activity or volunteer position I would look into.
To me the garden is a measure of the community. It is a place:
for social connection,
for opportunities to work together,
that provides learning experiences for all ages,
that contributes to the food bank,
that provides learning opportunities for school children,
that gives us self-satisfaction in being able to produce our own food.
There were many times I was able to interact with children and where someone taught me a different approach to gardening that I had not tried.
Apartment dwellers were not restricted to growing on their tiny balconies. Residents from the nearby care facilities are able to visit the garden or just to enjoy looking from the windows. The raised beds provide opportunities for those with physical limitations.
I hope that there will continue to be a Community Garden and that the space will allow for small fruit trees and bushes. We need to work together to make that happen. Thank you for reading about my experience.”
Jane says it all. Thanks to all who have helped in the past and to those who will help us in the future.
Submitted by Barrhead
Community
Garden
Relocation
Committee
