WATCH: Jackie Wilson takes us on a tour of the Healthy Yards Garden Patch which took root Thursday.
“This new partnership has allowed us to create a garden that shows real Saskatoon examples of healthy choices for the garden and for the gardener,” says Brenda Wallace, the city’s director of environmental & corporate initiatives.
This urban agricultural initiative flourishes with opportunities to learn about:
- backyard composting;
- rain barrels and water conservation techniques;
- pesticide-free gardening;
- gardening tips; and
- mulch to reduce weeding and watering
Brit MacDonald, manager at the Garden Patch, believes in the therapeutic benefits of getting in touch with nature through gardening. She thinks spending time connecting to “the root of our food system” is important for all ages.
“Food is grown in the ground, it can be grown here in our province, in our city, in a healthy and nutritious way. It can really help bring healthy food onto the plate and get kids asking for them.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan cultivating new generation of gardeners
The garden provides a tactile learning environment for all ages. A kids section allows for children to smell, touch, feel, and listen to their environment. A barefoot zone gets participants to really connect and feel the different soils, mulch, sand, and other textures between their toes.
“We’re bringing the excitement of gardening back to people!” says Vanessa Young, master garden coordinator.
Adults of all skill levels have something to learn from the master gardeners. They teach everything from basic gardening tips to bachelor degree level of agricultural knowledge.
“Gardening is a passion! We get a lot of people who are scared, but the miracle of seeing something go from a seed to a big plant to something you can eat – it changes people,” said Young.
If you aren’t sure about the thrills of growing food, perhaps you can get excited about saving money.
“Environmentally friendly gardening techniques can actually save residents money. Using less water, using less energy, and growing you own food is a great ways to save money and the environment,” said Amber Jones, city manager of education and environmental performance.
In order to promote conservation, the City of Saskatoon is currently providing rebates for those who purchase rain barrels and composts.
The garden officially opened to the public Aug. 20 and is located in The Garden Patch in the 900-block of 3rd Avenue North near the 33rd Street intersection. It is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
P.S. It’s free!
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