Garden Profile
Griesbach Veterans Community Garden
- Located at: vicinity 153rd Avenue and the Griesbach Road with entrance at the north end of 108 Street
- Number of plots: 200
- Plot size(s): 25' x 20'
- Total garden area: 102,000 sq.ft.
- Gardening style: In-ground beds
- Number of participants: 87 individuals, families, and groups
- Fee: plot rental $10, membership $10, refundable clean-up deposit $10
- Added Feature: water available from a garden tap, every four gardens or 25 feet apart.
The Griesbach Veteran's Community Garden was established by a core of six veterans over the 2003–4 winter season. It was previously known as the Garrison Horticultural Club which had been in existence for over 20 years. The land is very productive, with the capability of growing a variety of at least 40 types of vegetables within our 120 day growing season.
We have access to EPCOR water with a shallow water piping system that provides access to Gardens every 25 feet. Our growing season commences 15 Apr and normally terminates 1 Oct. The first Saturday in October is declared as general clean-up day for all individual gardens and everyone participates in the overall clean-up of all areas under our care and management.
Our Community Garden wishes to not only provide another means of personal enjoyment to all age groups, but promotes the concepts that vegetable gardening has significant therapeutic value, reduces stress, provides a low level of exercise for those that may have limitations, as well as develops pride in ownership and supplies the benefits of reaping a bountiful harvest.
For the past ten years we have supported charitable donations to the needy. We wish to continue with this practice to such organizations as the Mustard Seed Church, the Edmonton Food Bank, and other charitable organizations that look forward to receiving our surplus of fresh vegetables.
Our organization is a not for profit garden operation in a Tri-Partite License Agreement that includes the City of Edmonton, the owner of the land and a garden manager, together with his core of volunteers. We have a Rental agreement for each plot renter, an operation agreement with the land owner, and an agreement with Partners in Parks, not to be forgotten is the administrative assistance from Community Services.
Challenges, Needs and Barriers:
At the time of start up 15 April 2004, we are on a strict budget with the requirement that after rental payments, water-related fees amount to 60% of our remaining income. Any necessary equipment is either rented or borrowed. At the time of writing, only one sponsor has responded to our requests for assistance.
Future Aim:
Development of the land and recognition that we are a valuable community asset within the Griesbach area and worthy of being considered for long term tenancy with continued support from Community Services and the City of Edmonton.