Harvest of HOPE Educational Garden Producing a Bountiful Crop

Now in its second year, an expanded learning garden at The Salvation Army in Listowel has good things growing. Instructional classes are being held through the educational Harvest of HOPE program to teach planting, tending, composting, plant health and maintenance to provide the community with fresh and healthy produce and vegetables.

Planting boxes, gardening containers and plots of veggies are springing up and taking root with nutrient rich soil produced on-site in compost boxes using a method called ‘lasagna’ gardening, also known as sheet composting. Layers of organic material is added and will break down over time, resulting in dark, nutrient rich soil.

“My intention is to have the garden act as a meeting spot or place where we can make connections with other groups who may have clients who enjoy or would benefit from a gardening environment,” says Carolyn Saunders, the Listowel food bank coordinator who also oversees the garden project for the community.

Several classes were held this spring to educate the community in everything from the basics of planting and fertilizing to succession planting, container and bucket gardening, proper harvesting, and food preservation. Depending on the interest, Carolyn may add some late summer or early fall classes as well.

Heather is a local resident who took one of the first program classes, learning unique and creative ways to garden by growing plants on top of plants to maximize the available space. She is using the skills in her own home garden, which is already yielding results.

“I enjoy the camaraderie and the hands-on learning in being able to plant and see the results. Our peas are doing very well, and we were so proud when he saw the sprout!” Heather recalls.

As well as teaching gardening techniques, Carolyn provides compassionate support by helping class participants through past personal experiences and helps them look forward to what life can bring.

“This program helps those like myself who are struggling, and it gives me a sense of purpose in giving back to the community,” Heather says.

Carolyn says she is looking to tap into local community partnerships to further expand the garden space into a community gathering place with picnic tables and benches where people can come to relax and enjoy the quiet space.

Hanging from the garden trellis is the latest addition to the garden, a beautiful sign created by the wood shop class at Listowel District Secondary School. For more information about the garden, upcoming classes, or ways to partner with The Salvation Army on the garden, send an email to carolyn.saunders@salvationarmy.ca.