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While it's only January and there are feet of snow on the ground, nothing gets a gardener more excited than to think about spring.

This week at its first meeting, the G.C.Huston-Southampton Community Gardens organizing committee, began getting ready for spring.

The gardens were first started last summer and proved to be popular from the outset.  Spearheaded by Sunny Cushnie, the first year was a seed year.  "I would like to see this become our first big year," says Cushnie.  "We had the posts donated for a fence and I would like to see that finished this year, along with the garden shed and, first and foremost, an irrigation system."

Located adjacent to G. C. Huston Public School and the Bruce County Museum, the gardens have approximately 27 raised beds where gardeners have the opportunity to grow their own fresh, organic produce. 

In addition, the gardens have become an integral part of the new 'outdoor classroom' begun by the school in its initiative to teach students about the environment and that has won several awards.

"We want this to be a truly community garden," added Cushnie.  "It means we are not only looking for gardeners but also for sponsors.  With the beds costing only $20 to $30 for the entire season, it is not meant to be a money-maker but a concept that will provide people with fresh-grown food and also to act as a teaching tool for young people."

Last year's main sponsor for the project was Jason Van Geel of Carlsun's.  "We would really like a little more corporate and service club response this year so that we can expand the gardens and include the students more," says Cushnie.

(L) Teacher Judy Stoner and Sunny Kushnie

In addition to growing their own food, the group last year was able to hold an extensive Harvest Dinner, at the school, for the community with produce from the garden.

Cushnie will be ordering seed by mid-February to ensure spring delivery and garden plots can also be chosen by gardeners at any time.

The garden plots are limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Therefore, anyone interested is urged to contact Heather Pletch at 519-386-5748 or Sunny Cushnie at 519-797-1078 or is invited to the next meeting on February 15 at 6:30 p.m. at G.C. Huston School on Victoria St., Southampton.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011