DMSMCA Gardens

Indoor Seed Starting Workshop

2012-02-14T20:17:00.030-06:00

When: Tuesday, February 28 from 7 - 8:30pm

Where: DMSMCA, 823 Ellice Ave.

Seedlings can be expensive to purchase from the store or nursery, so come and learn the basics of growing your own seedlings from scratch.

This is a FREE hands-on workshop and each participant will leave with a few started seedlings. Please bring your own reusable containers to take your seedlings home.

For more information, contact Robyn at 774-7005 or greening(at)dmsmca.ca.

Fruit Share Manitoba TEDx Talk

2012-02-07T18:15:00.002-06:00

Getty Stewart of Fruit Share Manitoba will be doing a TEDx talk on February 9, 2012. Only 100 lucky people get to be there in person, but TEDx Manitoba will be available to everyone online in real-time. Whether you just take in a few talks or the full day, watch it alone or gather a group, it’s really simple. Just log on to TEDx Manitoba. The live stream will be there for you.

Want to plan out your day in advance? Check out the complete schedule. Fruit Share is one of 15 topics that will be part of the event. Check it out at 9:20 am.

Community Gardens 2012

2012-02-02T20:16:00.002-06:00

Are you interested in community gardening this year? It may seem a little early but DMSMCA is accepting applications for the Lipton, Orioles and Central Mosque Community Gardens. DMSMCA manages over 70 garden plots that are available anyone who lives in the DMSM neighbourhood, regardless of skill level. Each plot is free and priority is given to community members who don’t have a yard and those who have volunteered their time in the garden in the past.

Lipton Community Garden: was created two years ago with the help of a hardworking committee of volunteers. This garden is located in a former vacant city park on Lipton near Yarwood and has eleven plots for community members.

Orioles Community Garden: located in front of Orioles Community Centre at 444 Burnell this garden has around 30 individual plots and demand for plots has exceeded available space since its creation. Orioles also has a number of indigenous prairie plant beds, including a butterfly garden, planted with local children last year. The Orioles Garden has its own message board and this will used to communicate more information about events with gardeners.

Central Mosque Community Garden: DMSMCA created a new garden space in the parking lot of the Winnipeg Central Mosque at 715 Ellice. There are a few plots open to community members who live nearby.

If you have any further questions or would like to get a 2012 garden application please contact Robyn at 774-7005 or greening(at)dmsmca.ca

All the Dirt: Reflections on Successful, Cooperative Organic Farming

2012-01-24T15:33:00.001-06:00

A Reading and Discussion with Farmer Robin Tunnicliffe
Monday, January 30, 7:00 p.m.
Canadian Mennonite University (500 Shaftsbury Avenue, Winnipeg), in the Great Hall

*Free Admission *

Come meet Robin Tunnicliffe – Farmer, USC Canada Board Member, a founder of Saanich Organics, and author of the brand new book, All the Dirt.

Join Robin as she reads from her book and relates the experiences of three young women following their dreams to become successful organic farmers and business partners. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

This is a free event, sponsored by USC Canada. For further information, please contact Kenton Lobe.

Growing Local Conference

2012-01-13T13:54:00.000-06:00

Registration is now open for the 5th annual Growing Local Conference, which will be held February 23 - 25, 2012. Check out the website for all the details on speakers, workshops, displays and social events.

Inner City Community Garden Tour

2011-07-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

The Annual Inner City Community Garden Tour is coming up!
Date: Thursday, August 25th
Time: 5:30-8:30pm

Meet at:
Orioles Community Center 444 Burnell St. at 5pm for snacks and a stroll around their gardens built on an old tennis court before taking off on a bus at 5:30 for a tour of 8 inner city community gardens.

Take the low floor bus or bring your bike for an evening of garden wisdom, inspiring stories, and to see some of the incredible changes that come with greening a community. All are welcome!

Donations accepted at the door for the Community Gardens that we visit.

Kids Gardening

2011-07-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

Kids programming is making a comeback at DMSMCA!

Join us on Tuesdays (12pm - 5pm) and Wednesdays (10am - 5pm) at Orioles Community Gardens at 444 Burnell St (Orioles CC)

Garden and nature themed activities will be offered including potato tower building, berry picking, regular trips to the Orioles garden and more!

Join us! Drop in! Its FREE!!

Plus 5 books to get your kids gardening (all available at Winnipeg Pulic Library):

Grow It, Cook it with Kids by Amanda Grant J 635 GRA 2010
Gardening with Kids by Catherine Woram J 635 WOR 2008
How Does Your Garden Grow? : Great Gardening for Green-Fingered Kids by Clare Matthews J 635 MAT 2005
Dinner from Dirt : 10 Meals Kids Can Grow and Cook by Emily Scott J 641.65 SCO 1998
The Kids Can Press Jumbo Book of Gardening by Karyn Morris J 635 MOR 2000

Where to Find Fruits & Veggies in (and around) Winnipeg

2011-07-07T14:13:00.006-05:00

This month's issue of Wave (pg. 29) has a list of farmer's market, market stands, u-picks and clubs. The list is printed below, with a couple of additions:

FARMER'S MARKETS
Veggie Van Market
West Broadway Development Corp.
545 Broadway
The market is located in the parking lot of the Klinic Community Health Center
July - September
Thursday, 4 to 6pm

FortWhyte Alive Centre
1961 McCreary Road
895-2375
Tuesdays & Thursdays

Main Street Farmers’ Market
1085 Main Street at the Age & Opportunity Centre
927-2342
Fridays

Osborne Village Farmers’ Market
Corner of Osborne Street and River Avenue, in front of the Gas Station Theatre
480-8358
Thursdays

Red River Ex Farmers’ Market
3977 Portage Avenue, just west of the Perimeter Highway
888-6990
Saturdays

St. Norbert Farmers’ Market
3514 Pembina Highway
Wednesdays & Saturdays
275-8349

South Osborne Urban Market
Riverview Community Centre, 90 Ashland Ave.
Sundays

The Forks Market
The Forks Market Plaza
987-4352
Sundays

Transcona BIZ Farmers’ Market
Transcona Christian Church parking lot, 131 Victoria Ave. West
222-8566
Thursdays

Wellness Institute / Seven Oaks Hospital Farmers’ Market
1075 Leila Ave.
632-3912
Tuesdays

MARKET STANDS AND U-PICKS
Boonstra Berries
Stonewall
15km N on Hwy #7, 1km W on Hwy #67 at Stonewall exit
467-8480

Cormier's Berry Patch
La Salle
688-0858

Crampton’s Farm Produce Market
1765 Waverley Street, corner of Bishop Grandin & Waverley
269-3355

Floodway Gardens
Lot 567 Shalom Path – 10 km North of Perimeter Hwy, between Henderson Hwy & Floodway
661-9162

Grenkow’s U-Pick
St. Norbert
S on Waverley St., W on Des Trappistes St., 2.4 km S on Brady Rd.
269-0254

Jardins St. Leon’s Gardens
419 St. Mary’s Road, corner of St. Mary’s and Carriere
237-7216

Mayfair Farm
Portage la Prairie
1-866-738-4299 or 857-4581

Makarchuk's Strawberry Farm
Portage la Prairie
Hwy 1 to Hwy 13, 2.5km S to Oakville, 12km W on Hwy 331
267-2377

Patten Acres
Portage la Prairie
On Trans Canada Hwy 40 minutes W of Winnipeg
1-888-857-7648 or 857-4321

Petrasko Brothers Garden Centre
1577 Henderson Hwy
339-7163

Please phone u-picks ahead of time to ensure berries are ready!

PRODUCE CO-OPS & CLUBS
Community Supported Agriculture Manitoba
Consumers pay a fee to a farmer at the beginning of the year, and receive produce weekly during Manitoba’s growing season.

Fruit Share Winnipeg
284-1234
Connects fruit tree owners with volunteer fruit pickers to make good use of local fruit. One-third goes to the tree owner, one-third to the pickers, and one-third to community organizations such as food banks.

Harvest Moon Local Food Initiative
Produce and meat-buying club that connects consumers to local farmers, with deliveries to various Winnipeg locations.

Sharing Backyards
Connects gardeners with garden plot owners.

South Osborne Urban Community Co-operative
Garden share program connects gardeners with land owners.

Winnipeg Community Gardens Network
Garden.Network Information on where community gardens are located.

To get more information, please visit:

Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba.
Lists all the farmers’ markets in Manitoba.

Manitoba Agriculture
Manitoba’s local produce guide, which lists farmers’ markets, market stands, U-pick farms and community supported agriculture.

Prairie Fruit Growers Association
Listing of organic strawberry, raspberry and saskatoon U-pick farms in Manitoba. Includes location, whether the farms are open, and what type of fruit and vegetables are available for sale.

InFARMation (and Beer!) III

2011-05-13T13:41:00.001-05:00

This local food movement… what have we grown so far?

Wednesday, May 18 · 7:30pm - 11:30pm

The Park Theatre, 698 Osborne Street

This time we’ll be InFARMing the masses about two innovative and rapidly growing local food movements in Manitoba: the Harvest Moon Local Food Initiative, local food buying clubs and the South Osborne Urban Community Co-Op. Both organizations have a lot of exciting initiatives on their plate this upcoming season – join us to hear all about our beginnings and where we’re headed from here.

As usual there will be short presentations and discussion, but this InFARMation (and Beer!) is first and foremost a celebration.

The “Slow Dancers” will be rocking the house and as always there will be plenty of delicious local food specials, local beer, great friends and good times.

Admission to InFARMation (and Beer!) is always *free!*

Thanks to Heifer International, the Manitoba Cooperative Association, United Way of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba's Cooperative Promotion Board for their support of this event.

Lipton Garden Opening & Maintenance Bee

2011-05-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

Sunday, May 29, 2011
11am - 3pm

The opening of the garden is a time for gardeners to find out their plot number, sign the Gardener Guidelines form and to begin planting. This will also be a time for gardeners to volunteer some time toward the overall upkeep of the garden including weeding the area around the garden and planting in the communal beds.

Orioles Garden Opening & Maintenance Bee

2011-05-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday, May 28, 2011
11am - 3pm

The opening is a time for gardeners to find out their plot number, sign the Gardeners Guidelines form and to begin planting. This will also be a time for gardeners to volunteer some time towards the upkeep of the garden. This could include some painting (with non-toxic milk paint), topping up beds with soil, weeding the area around the garden and turning the compost bins.

Gardening With Indigenous Plants

2011-05-05T20:21:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
6:30 - 7:30pm

Would you like to know more about the native prairie plants that once covered our city? Learn about wildflowers, grasses, medicinal plants, how to attract birds and butterflies, and save water.

Location TBA.

Contact Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca to register.

Sustainable Lawncare

2011-05-01T20:19:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
6:30 - 7:30pm

Come learn how to maintain your lawn without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and fossil fuels. Tips for dealing with weeds and insects, as well as information on grass alternatives, will also be provided.

Location TBA.

Contact Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca to register.

Compost Bin Building

2011-04-24T20:17:00.001-05:00

Saturday, April 30, 2011
1 - 3pm

This hands-on and interactive workshop will teach you how to build a backyard compost bin out of wood. We will also discuss alternative building materials and review other styles of compost bins.

Location TBA.

Contact Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca to register.

HUGE West End Spring Clean Up!

2011-04-13T20:14:00.004-05:00

Please join us from 1 – 4 pm and help with the clean up efforts!

Saturday April 30th
Meet at 823 Ellice Ave (former West End Library at Ellice & Arlington)
Volunteers will be provided with tools, supplies, guidance and food.

Come out rain or shine to help us clean up our neighbourhood. This year the DMSMCA will be collaborating with other West End groups to make the clean up efforts span the West End neighbourhood. We’ll be working together with Spence Neighbourhood Association, West Central Women’s Resource Centre and St. Matthews Maryland Community Ministry.

Bring your sense of community pride as well as your appetite, food will be served afterward at St. Matthews Maryland Ministry at 641 St. Matthews.

This year we’re hoping to make our portion of the West End Clean Up vehicle free and offer garbage pick up via bicycle trailer. If you have a bike trailer to offer to us we would be very grateful! We are also in need of a photographer to capture all those great clean up moments! Please contact Robyn at greening@dmsmca.ca if you would like to offer your photography skills or your bike trailer (stipends are available).

Contact Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca for more information.

Composting for Beginners

2011-04-01T20:12:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, April 13, 2011
6:30 - 7:30pm

Want to start composting but need more knowledge before you start? This workshop will cover the basics of composting from bin selection, what your should and shouldn't put in your bin and learning about the ever crucial ratio of greens to browns.

Location TBA.

Contact Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca to register.

Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Pre-Order

2011-03-31T14:58:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row DMSMCA will be holding a rain barrel and compost bin sale on May 28th. The compost bins available are the black earth machine style bins that are available from the City of Winnipeg. The rain barrels are of good quality (there is one at the Orioles garden for those who would like to see it).

You must PRE-ORDER your bin or barrel!

Contact Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca or 774-7005 ext.104

Community Garden Plot - Sign Up

2011-03-24T12:09:00.000-05:00

Orioles Garden Site & Lipton Garden Site

DMSMCA is now accepting applications for plots in the community gardens. If you live in Daniel McIntyre-St. Matthews and are interested in having a plot in one of our community gardens this season, please contact Jen S. or Robyn at greening(at)dmsmca.ca or composting(at)dmsmca.ca or call 774-7005 to get an application form.

Rain Barrel Fundraiser

2011-03-20T12:07:00.002-05:00

RainBarrel.ca is pleased to partner with the Winnipeg Community Garden Network,
a not-for-profit group of volunteers dedicated to encouraging a healthy
community gardening movement in Winnipeg by supporting and linking gardeners.
The members of this organization encourage all homeowners to use rain barrels
to collect rainwater to use in the garden – this is a good gardening practice
with both environmental and financial benefits.

Each rain barrel comes fully equipped with a leaf and mosquito filter basket,
an overflow adaptor that permits multiple barrels to be connected in series,
1.2m of overflow hose and a spigot that attaches directly to a garden hose
(additional hosing can also be purchased if required). There are three colours
available – black, grey and terra cotta. All have a capacity of approximately
220 litres and are approximately 1m tall and .6m in diameter. The price is $55
per barrel. Orders are now being taken for a May 8, 2011, pickup date.

Distribution will be from 10am to 2pm at the Mother’s Day Plant Sale in the
parking lot of the Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Boulevard.
Order your barrel online by selecting one of these buttons below:
Buy Now (use your debit or credit card to pay online now) at
http://rainbarrel.ca/winnipeg/ OR Cash-on-Pickup (reserve a barrel and pay in cash at the sale event).

You can place your order by telephone. Call 204-783-8513. You can also call if
you need assistance placing an online order.

A limited number of extra rain barrels MAY be available for walk up customers
at the sale event. These will be sold on a first come, first served basis for
$65 each. To guarantee you will get a rain barrel, please order online or by
phone.

Bring your receipt to the Mother’s Day Plant sale at the Canadian Mennonite
University on May 8, 2011 to pick up your barrels.

Gardening Saturday

2011-03-08T20:11:00.000-06:00

The Friends of The Assiniboine Park Conservatory present:

Gardening Saturday
March 26, 2011
9am - 4pm

Canadian Mennonite University - North Campus
500 Shaftesbury Bldv.

Admission: $5

For more information go to: www.friendsconservatory.com

Riverview Community Conversation Series presents: Food, Inc.

2010-11-20T08:57:00.001-06:00

Food, Inc.
Sunday, November 28, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Riverview Community Centre
90 Ashland Ave.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on the U.S. food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of the U.S. government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Their nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and the environment. Consumers have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but they also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. North American society is riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

It’s Free! Everyone is Welcome.

For more information, e-mail: urban.community.cooperative(at)gmail.com.

Brought to you by the South Osborne Urban Community Cooperative and the Community-Led Emissions Reduction Program South Osborne.

Riverview Community Conversation Series presents: The Power of Community

2010-11-01T08:56:00.006-05:00

The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Sunday, November 7th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Riverview Community Centre

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope.

Brought to you by the South Osborne Urban Community Cooperative and the Community-Led Emissions Reduction Program South Osborne.

Fall Garden Clean-Up

2010-10-23T09:30:00.003-05:00

Saturday October 30th 11am-3pm
Orioles Community Garden

Your help is need to remove dead plant matter, top up boxes with soil and turn the compost bins. Bring your mittens and spend some time with your neighbours putting our garden to sleep for the winter.

Gimme Some Truth Presents: The Garden

2010-10-16T09:28:00.009-05:00

The Garden by Scott Hamilton Kennedy

Friday October 22 At 7:30 PM
Cinematheque, 100 Arthur Street
Tickets $10


The Academy-Award nominated documentary The Garden tells the story of an  urban garden in South Central Los Angeles which began as a form of healing after the LA race riots of 1992 and the farmers' struggle to hold onto the land as city and other interest groups try to take it away from them. At 14 acres andover 300 families it was the largest community garden in the country.

The Garden chronicles their battle, and in doing so, brings to light issues of environmental sustainability, social justice and race relations. Director Scott Hamilton Kennedy from Los Angeles will attend this screening and the Q and A to follow.

More information about The Garden, about the GST forum and other films playing is at: 
http://www.gimmesometruth.ca

Fresh, The Movie

2010-10-09T19:48:00.015-05:00

Celebrate National Organic Week (October 9th – 16th) with a screening of the new thought-provoking documentary – FRESH.

Join the Organic Food Council of Manitoba and Manitoba Farm Mentorship for the premiere of the film FRESH on Wednesday, October 13,7:00 pm at the Park Theatre (698 Osborne St S).

Fresh, The Movie, presents a vision of the possible by profiling heroes all over the U.S. who are changing the way we eat. If Food Inc. was your wake up call, Fresh, The Movie is your call to action. Check out http://www.freshthemovie.com/

After the screening, join in on a panel discussion with Manitoba rural and urban farmers and distributors. Find out what they are doing to reshape our food system.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The event will feature a silent auction and door prizes. Take home some great local and organic prizes.

Purchase tickets on line at www.organicfoodcouncil.org/fresh or at Vita Health (Osborne), Eatit.ca (Wall St.) or at McNally Robinson's (Grant Park).

Fall Canning Workshop - Jams and Jellies

2010-10-02T19:58:00.008-05:00

October 4 from 5 - 9 pm
St Matthews Maryland Community Ministry
641 St Matthews

If you have always wanted to try your hand at making yummy preserves and canning, this is your opportunity. Learn how to safely turn fruit into yummy preserves. Participants do not have to bring their own food or supplies, these workshop are open to everyone.

Everyone welcome!

Please register in advance
Katie | 774.7201 x 4
greening (at) westbroadway.mb.ca

This series is made possible through a collaboration of multiple organizations including DMSMCA. Funding provided by Heifer Canada through Food Matters Manitoba's Local Food Project

Perennial and Bulb Swap

2010-09-30T19:38:00.008-05:00

Broadway Neighbourhood Centre
185 Young Street
Saturday October 2, 10 am - 1 pm

Bring your extra perennials and bulbs to share
New to gardening? No plants yet? Please join us!
Experts available to answer all your gardening questions!
Tea and a snack provided

TOMATO BLIGHT WARNING

2010-06-14T19:14:00.008-05:00

From the CTV website:

Officials with the province have issued an advisory after the fungal disease called late blight was found on tomato seedlings at several retail locations in Winnipeg and Brandon.

The blight does not cause any human health issues, but poses a serious disease issue for vegetables in the nightshade family, including tomatoes and potatoes, said provincial officials.

Retail outlets have stopped selling the tomato plants.

The blight shows up as lesions and grey-green areas on leaves and can also show up as white mildew on the underside of leaves in high humidity, said officials.

Home gardeners should check their tomatoes and potatoes immediately, said officials. If late blight is present, destroying the affected plants by uprooting and bagging the infected ones is the best option to prevent further spread to healthy plants, said officials. More information and pictures of tomato plants with late blight can be found at:
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonalreports.html.

Composting Workshop

2010-05-28T21:37:00.001-05:00

Basics for Beginners
Saturday, June 5th, 12 - 1:30pm
VCC Orioles Community Centre
444 Burnell

Just bought a bin at the sale in May and need to learn how to use it?

Come to this workshop to learn the pleasures of turning scraps into soil!

RSVP to Robyn at greening@dmsmca.ca.

Orioles Garden Opening

2010-05-23T21:32:00.001-05:00

Saturday, May 29th from 10am to 2pm.

Come and plant your plot, socialize with neighbours and see our new greenhouse!

Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Compost bins $30 (black earth machine style bins that are available from the City of Winnipeg)
Rain Barrels $50

Please pre-order your bin or barrel as there will b a very limited walk-up inventory on site. Contact Robyn at greening@dmsmca.ca.

Gardens with an 'S'

2010-04-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

It's official! DMSMCA Gardens is plural.

The new Lipton Community Garden, located in the Tot Lot on Lipton near Yarwood, is seeking gardeners. If you live in Daniel McIntyre-St. Matthews, then please contact Robyn at greening@dmsmca.ca for more information.

free worms to a good home!

2010-02-15T11:37:00.000-06:00

Are you looking for some red wrigglers so you can start your own vermicomposter?

Catherine from the Orioles Community Garden has too many worms in her composter. She will deliver worms within the West End, Wolseley and West Broadway areas, or arrange for pick-up if you live further away. She can tell you how to get started, what your worms need, and how to avoid all those pesky problems like fruit flies and swampy compost.

Email her at bluegreenie (at) gmail.com for more info. Or leave a comment on this post.

Seedy Saturday

2010-01-29T20:04:00.000-06:00

WHAT: Winnipeg's 10^th annual mid-winter gathering of gardeners

WHEN: February 13, 2010, 10 am to 4pm

WHERE: Fort Whyte Alive on McCreary Road

Celebrate prairie biodiversity with a full day of workshops, displays, vendors and visiting. Bring your seeds and join the fun of the seed swap. This grassroots garden show offers inspiration and information on heritage seeds, organic gardening, native plants, and urban agriculture. Admission to Fort Whyte is free for this special event.

Enjoy a tour of Fort Whyte Farms winter greenhouse project, crafts for kids, and outdoor activities for the whole family. Meet some heritage poultry breeds, live and in full feather, thanks to the Anola Cluck and Quack Poultry Club and Rare Breeds Canada.

10:00 am Seed Swap Begins

11:00 am Pollinator Friendly Gardens - Susan Leblanc

12:00 pm Growing Heirloom Vegetables - Mandy Botincan

1:00 pm Community Compost Projects - Compost Action Project

2:00 pm Poultry Raising for Beginners - Wian Prinsloo

Participants include: Devil’s Creek Herb and Berry Farm, Herb Society of Manitoba, Heritage Harvest Seeds, Living Prairie Museum, Mandy’s Greenhouse, Prairie Flora, Sage Garden Herbs and more.

Fort Whyte Alive is beyond the city bus routes – if you have a vehicle please offer a ride to your friends and fellow gardeners. Limited shuttle service will be available between the Assiniboine Park Conservatory and Fort Whyte.

Orioles Community Garden Evaluation

2009-10-25T20:26:00.000-05:00

Now that the season has officially come to a close it is to time to evaluate what worked well, what needs to be improved and to determine what needs to be changed in the garden for next year. This discussion will help to inform how other community gardens in the area are run in the future.

Please join us Monday November 2^nd from 5:30-7pm. If you can't make it, leave a comment here or email greening@dmsmca.ca

Perennial Plant and Bulb Sharing

2009-10-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

Our annual Perennial Plant and Bulb Sharing Event is taking place Wednesday, October 7th from 5-8pm. Feel free to attend even if you don't have any perennials or bulbs to bring. Last year there were plenty of extras.

Tim Jeffrey, a permaculturalist, will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have about appropriate light conditions, soil types, etc. for your new plants.

borscht garden

2009-09-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

From this...

To this...

To this (yum!)...

Michelle and Catherine shared garden #15, and after Michelle came up with the brilliant idea of planting a borscht garden, they put in potato, cabbage, dill, onion and beets. The end result? Delicious!

Catherine's favorite recipe, from the Moosewood Cookbook:

Russian Cabbage Borsch

1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced potato

1 cup thinly sliced beets

4 cups of water

1 to 2 Tbs butter

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 1/2 tsp salt (more or less, to taste)

1 stalk celery

1 medium carrot, sliced

3 to 4 cups shredded cabbage

freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp dill (more if using fresh)

1 to 2 Tbs cider vinegar

1 to 2 Tbs brown sugar

1 cup tomato paste

Toppings: sour cream or yogurt, extra dill

1) Place potatoes, beets and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender (20 to 30 minutes).

2) Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pot. Add onion and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent (8 to 10 minutes).

3) Add celery, carrots, and cabbage, plus 2 cups of the cooking water from the potatoes and beets. Cover and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender (another 8 to 10 minutes).

4) Add the remaining ingredients (including all the potato and beet water), cover and simmer for at least 15 more minutes. Taste to correct seasoning, and serve hot, topped with sour cream or yogurt and a sprig of dill.

Produce watch!

2009-07-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Summer is well under way and Orioles Community Garden is doing great! The plants are getting huge and starting to produce; many of the leafy greens have been ready for harvesting for a couple of weeks now. We'd like to share a few photographs with you to celebrate these accomplishments.

Garden workshops!

2009-07-14T10:13:00.001-05:00

Edit!: Instead of having two canning and preserving workshops we are Having one Herb preserving workshop on Monday August the 17th from 6-8 in the Kitchen of St. Matthew's Anglican church. The second workshop in August is on Thursday the 20th. this one will be on Canning and preserving; it will be held at the same time and place as the Herbs preserving workshop.
Sorry for the confusion!

We're having number of workshops in July and August For those interested in Attending
the first one is tonight from 6-8 pm at the Orioles-site Community garden. (Rain location inside the building, 444 Burnell.) It will cover efficient Watering and mulching practices for your garden or lawn.
The second on Monday July the 20th is a composting workshop brought back by popular demand. Come out if you're interested in learning how to recycle your plant wastes to create fertile soil. This workshop is also from 6 - 8 at 444 Burnell rain or shine.

The two workshops in August are about canning and preserving. They will be hosted in part by the Manitoba Food Charter and will be held In the basement of St. Matthew's Anglican church, 641 St. Matthew's Ave, in the kitchen. Participants are asked to enter through the McGee doors. The workshops themselves will be held on the 17th and the 20th; a Monday and a Thursday from 6-8 pm. Canning Supplies and produce will be provided.

More news from the garden coming soon!

A Hearty Hello

2009-07-06T15:49:00.003-05:00

Hello all! This is the Daniel McIntyre / St. Matthew's Community Gardens blog. For all of you involved in our gardening project this site is meant to keep you up to date with events, the development of the garden at the growth progress of it's plants. As well as several other tid bits of information. This is Also communication platform for those who have general questions and/or questions about their plants, projects in the garden or upcomming workshops.

Here are some photograps taken in the garden: