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Cooking up a storm in Aldergrove’s bountiful gardens

Patsy Homan says her enthusiasm for gardening is shared by many of her Aldergrove neighbours, and is becoming a popular movement in town.
51826aldergroveGarden2TableWEB
Patsy Homan

Small-scale gardening is catching on in a big way in Aldergrove.

Patsy Homan says her enthusiasm for gardening is shared by many of her Aldergrove neighbours, and is becoming a popular movement in the town.

Not only are there the Aldergrove Community Garden plots in the corner of Aldergrove Athletic Park, and the Garden to Table program at St. Dunstan's Anglican Church, there are also small groups of residents who have banded together to create small, shared garden plots at private residences. Homan plays a part in all these programs.

"We have a strong sense of community and big hearts right here in our small town of Aldergrove," sayd Homan.

"If you are looking for ways to become part of our gardening community in Aldergrove, please join us every Thursday at our Garden to Table program from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Dunstan's Church, 3025-264 Street."

This community vegetable garden at the church property was planted with the desire to bring people from all walks of life together as a community, to help those in need and to share healthy meals at the church's weekly dinners.

"You can have fun harvesting fresh veggies from our garden or help prepare dinner," says Homan. "There's always lots to chop! Come by and chat, have a cup of coffee and enjoy a surprise menu every week. We are open to people from every background and all ages are welcome."

For more information on the G2T program, contact Rick MacAhonic, missions and ministry coordinator at 604-856-5393.

And if you're looking to learn new veggie gardening skills the Garden to Table program is working in partnership with Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) to present a series of free workshops on Saturdays at St. Dunstan's Church from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It is aimed at both new and novice gardeners, and you can bring the kids.

Following is the description and dates of the G2T workshops:

• August 4 - Winter Gardening: learn what you can plant now for harvest in the winter and spring, and how to extend the growing season for many fall crops.

• August 11 - Gardening with Children: be prepared to roll up your sleeves during this hands on workshop for you and your kids.

• September 1 - Greener Cleaner: you are invited to make and take home eco-friendly laundry detergent and a multipurpose spray.

• September 8 – Can it! Food preserving: learn how to safely preserve the summer harvest. This hands on workshop guides you through the steps of canning seasonal produce (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this longer session).

• September 20 – Backyard Bounty: if you're thinking about having a garden in the near future, this workshop guides you through decisions such as where to locate your veggie patch, what to grow, and when to plant it.

• October 27 – Composting 101: learn what type of composting is a good fit for your needs and how you can do your part to reduce the amount of waste in our landfills.

For more information, contact Rick MacAhonic, Missions and Ministry Coorinator or to register for the workshops, please call St. Dunstan's at 604-856-5393 or email: st.dunstans@telus.net — space is limited, so register soon.

"Come out and show how much we care about our local programs. Garden to Table is supported by local merchants and organizations," says Homan.