Community Gardens is teaching young residents the value of good tilled earth by planting and growing produce in gardens throughout the Drumheller area.
On Sunday, June 3, Community Gardens, with its young volunteers, were in the garden of Ray and Darlene Raketti to plant potatoes.
“We rounded up interested kids and they had a great day. We have some summer students through the heritage garden project, some neighbourhood kids, and some from Greentree School garden club. It’s something that benefits the entire community. It teaches kids to grow from the ground up and give back to their community,” said Alison MacDonald, a member of Community Gardens.
“We don’t need our garden anymore, so we offered the use of it,” said Darlene Raketti.
The potatoes grown at the Raketti’s will be going towards a good cause. Everything, including produce from the other gardens tended by Community Gardens, will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
“We’ve always donated any extra vegetables to the community garden to the Salvation Army Food Bank. The Raketti’s had this huge garden and thought it’d be a great opportunity to get kids growing,” said MacDonald.
Raketti learned about Community Gardens through the Verdant Valley Women’s Institute, when Community Gardens gave a presentation.
Throughout the rest of the summer, Community Gardens and its young helpers will tend the Raketti garden. Anyone who is interested is welcome to help out as well.
“It was a great day, we’re going to be up there again. We’re always interested in having people involved,” said MacDonald. “Anyone, from novice to experienced gardeners are welcome and we’ll teach you how to grow plants.”
To learn more and help out, residents are encouraged to email info@badlandsgardens.ca, or phone Chris Marion at 403-823-6930.
