#Community

Holly Smith, LJI Journalist

NEW CARLISLE – The Family Ties Community Garden has been a bright and busy part of the community since 2012. It began after a strategic planning session where members shared that they wanted to be more self-sufficient. Since then, the garden has grown into a place where people not only plant vegetables but also build friendships and learn new skills.

“Anyone who is a member of Family Ties and is interested in gardening, as a beginner or more experienced, can join the community gardens and have a plot,” explained project coordinator Ariane Arsenault. “They are always welcome to our garden socials, which we host every Thursday mornings. We serve refreshments, delicious snacks, and some homemade baking goods. It is one of the member’s favourite activity, giving them the opportunity to mingle with other fellow gardeners and also having Marie Claude our garden specialist on site to answer any questions about their crops.”

The Thursday morning socials are a highlight for many members. They give people a chance to connect, share ideas, and enjoy the fresh air. As Ms. Arsenault explains, “The community garden is a great way to bring the community together, to learn about gardening and also form new friendships.”
Each summer, about 15 to 20 gardeners take part. “New participants and also some who have been in the gardens for years,” says Ms. Arsenault. “They grow a variety of vegetables and herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers etc. Family Ties also grows many fruit trees, herbs, garlic and flowers, which we harvest to use in our collective cooking group activities.” These cooking sessions use the garden’s fresh produce to make healthy meals, giving members the chance to learn more about food preparation and nutrition.

The garden is supported by several funding partners and generous community donations. “It is funded through various avenues, mainly Centraide GIM, the MRC of Bonaventures Social Development Plan and a wonderful partnership with Collectif Alimenterre,” said Heather MacWhirter, Executive Director at Family Ties. “The garden also receives numerous donations each year of seeds, plants and materials,” she adds.

Running a community garden comes with its challenges. “We would say that our challenge is to always improve our collective garden, in order to be at its full potential. Adding structures, plots and beautifying it every year,” says Ms. Arsenault.

Even with the work involved, Ms. Arsenault says the rewards are worth it. “My favourite part of working at Family Ties is having a sense of belonging and helping to bring the community together. And the summer is a very pleasant time of the year to work, in the gardens, planning group fruit foraging and organizing workshops on food transformation. Always a busy summer but much fun!”
Looking ahead, Family Ties hopes the garden will continue to grow, offering fresh food, friendship, and learning opportunities for years to come.