Accessible Gardening Project

Until now, individuals with physical disabilities have been excluded from community gardening in Regina.  In 2009, Grow Regina was awarded the Walmart – Evergreen Green Grant based on our commitment to incorporate a significant accessible garden, within the YARA-Grow Regina Community Garden consisting of approximately 10 accessible raised beds, an accessible storage shed, and a collection of special tools suitable for various disabilities. In addition to our initial commitments in the Green Grant, Grow Regina has been able to expand our plans for the Accessible Gardening site, with the generous support of local businesses, to include features identified on the Accessible Gardening drawing below. The accessibility garden will complement the existing network of wheelchair accessible garden paths and facilitate interaction between disabled and non-disabled gardeners.

By partnering with agencies serving the disabled, this project will ensure that for the first time, those with significant disabilities in Regina will be able to grow fresh produce, have access to horticultural therapy and enjoy the social interaction and sense of community associated with the community gardening experience.  Gardeners are encouraged to plant heritage vegetables varieties in keeping with Evergreen Foundation goals.  In addition, wherever possible, construction of the garden will be done through a vocational rehabilitation program to provide training opportunities to those with disabilities.  This will be the first and only community garden in Regina with accessible gardens for individuals with disabilities.

To learn more about Accessible Gardening and reserve your garden plot, please contact the Grow Regina Membership Committee at 352-4813 or email contact@growregina.ca

Community Greening Project

In cooperation with the City of Regina and support of Walmart – Evergreen Green Grant, Grow Regina has enhanced the northern edge of the YARA-Grow Regina Community Garden along the storm channel.  A sample of the 50 foot repeat pattern planting plan is below.  This spring, Grow Regina planted a variety of native fruit bearing trees and shrubs in keeping with the  terms outlined in City’s “Private Plantings in Public Open Spaces” and with Evergreen Foundation goals.

The proposed plantings will replace dead trees and shrubs and fill open areas with native plantings to create a shelterbelt to protect YARA-GRCG from prevailing northern winds, as well as beautify the view of the Storm Channel.  Approximately 126 native fruit bearing trees and shrubs have been added including: Buffalo Berry, Highbush Cranberry, Saskatoons, American Plum, Pin Cherry, Haskap, Hybrid Cherry, Hazel Nut and Crab Apple. These new plantings will complement the fruit trees previously planted in the YARA-GRCG Orchard by members.

This beautification project will benefit the community and gardeners beyond the visual attractiveness and fruit crops by attracting beneficial pollinators to the community garden, significantly increasing vegetable production.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 28th, 2010 at 7:00 am and is filed under Feature Stories, What's Happening?.