September 16th Recap: Garden Work, Corn Fest + Artful Reflections!

This past Saturday in the garden was another highlight of our season. The sun was shining, the Farmer's Market was lively, and many new and familiar faces gathered in the garden throughout the day to celebrate the season. We first had a garden work party led by Master Gardener Selina. We are lucky enough to have Dr. Art Bomke in our graces, professor Emeritus from UBC, who taught us about cover cropping and its benefits before we dug into the garden. 

Community members ready to help! 

Community members ready to help! 

Buckwheat + clover cover crops helping nourish our soils. 

Buckwheat + clover cover crops helping nourish our soils. 

One happy harvester!

One happy harvester!

After the work party, we enjoyed organic corn from the farmer's market's corn boil. Our lovely event planner, Anne-Genvieve Poitras, made delicious butters with herbs from the garden which were thoroughly enjoyed! 

Rosemary Honey, Dill, Chive, Tomato Basil, and Parmesan butters were up for the tasting. 

Rosemary Honey, Dill, Chive, Tomato Basil, and Parmesan butters were up for the tasting. 

After the corn feast began the Artful Community Reflections event. Committee member Anya set up four art stations inspired by the four elements of the First Nations Medicine Wheel: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Many adults and children flexed their creative muscles and lent respect to these ancient traditions through art. Thank you to everyone who participated! 

SPEC garden bed leader Tara gets in touch with her airy side! 

SPEC garden bed leader Tara gets in touch with her airy side! 

Drawing on the "rushing river"- the Water inspired station. 

Drawing on the "rushing river"- the Water inspired station. 

Getting inspired by Water + also painting rocks inspired by the element of Earth.

Getting inspired by Water + also painting rocks inspired by the element of Earth.

Thinking about the element of Fire and how it affects us. 

Thinking about the element of Fire and how it affects us. 

Recap: Late Summer Tomato Festival + Workshop!

This past Saturday, August 26th, was a very special day in the garden! There were many new faces at our garden work party in the morning and we got lots done- check out the new borders on the herb gardens next time you stop by! 

Hard at work creating herb garden borders out of reclaimed wood!

Hard at work creating herb garden borders out of reclaimed wood!

After the work party, we were fortunate enough to have a tomato varietal tasting with Shirlene from Earth Apple Organic Farm. We tried over 8 different tomatoes, with shades ranging from bright yellow to totally black! Thank you Shirlene!

Learning about the history of many different tomato varieties. 

Learning about the history of many different tomato varieties. 

With that informative introduction, the tomato-themed potluck began! There were dishes from several different cultures made by many garden bed and community members. Highlights included tomato quinoa casserole, gazpacho, bruschetta, sundried tomato pasta, caprese salad, and more. Thank you very much to everyone who participated! What a yummy lunch! 

Fresh dishes being enjoyed at the potluck!

Fresh dishes being enjoyed at the potluck!

The day was made extra special due to a visit from the Honourable Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould. We all enjoyed having Jody in the garden, digging into the soil, chatting with community members, and enjoying a plate from the tomato-themed potluck! 

MP Jody Wilson-Raybould with Norm Dooley and Dr Art Bomke.

MP Jody Wilson-Raybould with Norm Dooley and Dr Art Bomke.

A message from Bernard Higham, Constituency Coordinator: 

"Thank you so much for the kind (and very delicious) invitation for Jody and myself to the Riley Park Community Garden tomato gathering! Jody deeply enjoyed getting the chance to stretch her legs and have some great conversations with the attending folks out in Riley Park on a lovely day.  The garden is such a lovely concept! It heartens us to see a new substantive gathering location for the community. I hope that Riley Park serves as a template for future community gardens/social hubs." 
MP Jody Wilson-Raybould with Ed Shum, a lifelong gardener. 

MP Jody Wilson-Raybould with Ed Shum, a lifelong gardener. 

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible! Look towards our calendar on the Events page to stay tuned for upcoming events!