People can see how fellow Powell River residents are growing carrots, cantaloupe and everything in between at the fifth annual Edible Garden Tour taking place Sunday, August 4.
“You’ll see just about anything that people can grow in this area, one way or another,” said coordinator David Parkinson. “It’s probably one of the best events of the year for self-education. People are teaching and learning from each other in an organic kind of way.”
The tour is divided into a morning and an afternoon component. The five gardens in the morning slot will all be in town. In the afternoon, the four gardens featured will be within walking distance of each other along Southview Road, just north of Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation.
Gardens featured range from large and sprawling sites to smaller dense lots. Highlights include a property focused on winter gardening, and a lot focused on permaculture principles.
Master gardeners will be positioned in both a morning and an afternoon garden, ready to answer any questions participants might have.
“If people want to bring plants for identification, and even insect pests that they’re unsure about, the master gardeners just live for that stuff,” said Parkinson.
The tour is jointly organized by Powell River Food Security Project and Transition Town Powell River, with assistance from Powell River Literacy Council.
Participation is by donation, with funds raised going to garden-centred projects around the community. Last year’s proceeds went to the Good Food Box, the DIGS garden at James Thompson Elementary School, and the permaculture design course held in Townsite.
As in past years, there will also be a food literacy treasure hunt. Participants fill out the questions in their guidebook and then submit their completed guidebook for a prize draw after the tour.
“It’s a new perspective on the variety of ways people are growing food and overcoming all the challenges,” said Parkinson. “The goal is to inspire people and show them that they can do it too.”
Guidebooks are available at Breakwater Books, but tour-goers are encouraged to download them online or the garden tour’s Facebook page.
Those looking for more information can contact Parkinson at 604.485.2004 or [email protected].
