A dream has come true after much planning and lots of energetic, hard work! Several years ago, we at Knox imagined a positive way we could reach out and be of assistance to our community. The Knox United Church Community Garden was opened officially on May 29, 2016 with an outdoor dedication ceremony. Planning meetings began in earnest in early 2016; by March, we had a beautiful keyhole garden plan, applications sent to the City of Ottawa and a strong connection to the Community Garden Network via Just Food. The congregation agreed to designate some of the Fenwick bequest funds to the garden so that work could begin in May. With the help of all those listed below, the week-end of May 6-8 proved the expression….many hands make light work. An army of volunteers came and shoveled, hammered, sawed, drilled and levelled!
The result? Twenty gorgeous raised accessible keyhole beds surrounded by white cedar and filled with sand and soil for perfect irrigation. A water tote was added shortly after the official opening, followed closely by two well-ventilated compost bins. In August, the gardeners cheered as the garden shed arrived to house tools, water cans and other equipment. A second water tote is in place now so gardeners can fill their cans from the closest location.
Many organizations were approached as the materials required were assembled. For their generous support we acknowledge the contributions of the following organizations:
The Congregation of Knox United Church
The City of Ottawa Community Garden Network Fund and Just Food
The Seeds of Hope Fund of the United Church Foundation
Barbara and Allan Gravelle
Frank’s Baked Goods and Catering
Canadian Tire (Merivale and Hunt Club)
Without their support and labour, the garden would still be a dream waiting to happen – we sincerely thank:
Members of the 1st Nepean and 23rd Nepean Scouts and Venturers and their families!
Lawrence Pigeon & family
Andrew, Lori and Ian Jensen
Kristen, Keith, Sam and Noah Egli
John, Susie, Candice & Isaac James
Darwin Turner
Chris and Kim Hinds and family
The Kranias family
The Mertes family
Louise Isadore and family
Rick Balson
Bruno Martin
Members of the Leslie Park Community Garden
We have been blessed with the help of these individuals who have been watering, weeding and harvesting our sharing garden:
Members of WAVE (Work and Volunteer Experience) Dovercourt’s program for adults with Autism
Students from the Sir Robert Borden High School Autism Class
Students from the Ottawa Technical Secondary School Autism Program
Delightfully, from our sharing garden and the generosity of our gardeners we have made a number of donations of fresh produce to FAMSAC. In addition, all gardeners contribute volunteer hours (watering, harvesting, etc.) thus enhancing our donation to this important community foodbank.
The Knox United Community Garden is guided by a committee:
From Knox:
Chair Kristen Douglas
Alison Kranias
Jane Thomson
Garden Members:
Doug Heale
Melissa Hahn
Chris Hinds
Knox United Church Nepean 