Statement

Glendon Community Garden

Updated 2021.01.16

The progression of the community garden is evolving into a much bigger anticipation then expected. As we move forward with the vision, we are motivated to support each other because of the value it brings to our unique environment. The vision encompasses the ideology of the involvement of our immediate community (students, staff members and faculties) as it is an integral part of the project. The long-term commitment is to strengthen the core value of the community garden by showing the benefits of having a shared green space on the campus.

Vision:

The idea behind the community garden is to encourage experiential learning to aid students in their educational growth while engaging and promoting community involvement. The exchange in knowledge and information between each other will be instrumental in shaping our greenspace into a living lab.

Mission:

Through accessible physical activity and collaboration, we strive for excellence, innovation and aim to foster inclusion and connection between the communities that share our environment.

Goals:

1) PROMOTE HEALTH AND NUTRITION

    • Opportunities for gardeners and visitors to take part in activities to promote health through nutrition and physical activity.

2) PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

    • Both hands-on and classroom events throughout the year focused on health and nutrition, environmental stewardship, and organic gardening.

3) ENHANCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

    • Community members are encouraged to be part of the garden by managing plots and volunteering at the garden.

4) TEAM BUILD

    • Creates an environment for people to interact and work alongside others they may not normally engage with. This enhances a sense of community on campus through team building and working towards a common goal.

5) BE STEWARDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

    • Incorporates environmentally sustainable gardening practices such as prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides and incorporating native plants to encourage pollinators.

6) PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

    • Attaining and keeping best practices in gardening
    • Ripple affect
    • Embedded in YOU- therapeutic

7) GARDENING RESOURCES

    • Planting times
      • Recommendation of planting dates for various vegetables
      • Recommended Vegetable Varieties
      • Fall planting Guide
    • Pest/Disease Control
      • Recommended Organic Fungicide Treatment
      • OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs)
      • Amendments/Fertilizers
      • General Resources
      • Helping Pollinators
    • Gardening for Exercise
      • Stretch before and After
      • Tips to take the pain out of gardening