Canada: City of Victoria proclaims 2022 as the Year of the Garden
Starts Two New Community Gardens
City of Victoria
February 25, 2022
Excerpt:
The City of Victoria has proclaimed 2022 as the Year of the Garden and June 18, 2022 as Garden Day, part of a national celebration of everything garden, led by the Canadian Garden Council.
“We are delighted to join other municipalities across Canada in proclaiming 2022 as the Year of the Garden,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “Victoria is proud to be a garden friendly city and is known for its amazing plant and flower displays, progressive urban food initiatives and innovative horticultural practices that help our community adapt to a changing climate. Gardens and gardening contribute to quality of life, increase local food security, clean the air and water, and create welcoming places where people can come together.”
The Year of the Garden celebrations begin with Council approval of two new community gardens in the Vic West and South Jubilee neighbourhoods. The gardens will support residents to grow their own vegetables, fruit and flowers, while building social connection and interaction with their neighbours.
In Vic West, the Orca Rescue Society and local residents will build and maintain a community garden in Alston Green. The garden will include allotment beds, food trees and commons areas planted with native and pollinator plants. It aims to promote local food security through access to plots and demonstration gardens while also raising awareness about resident orca whales.
South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association volunteers will create and maintain a community garden in Redfern Park. The design includes curved demonstration beds, food trees and commons gardens planted with edible perennials, native and pollinator plants. Other features include an accessible pathway and seating areas, wayfinding and educational signage, a picnic table, and a pergola with a living roof and an arbour.
