Chilliwack Progress, Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada January 29, 2006 How does your garden grow?
by Jessica Murdy For over 100 years, the Chilliwack schools garden program has survived everything from historic flooding to budget cutbacks. Mainly because its continued success has more to do with what's at the root of the program. Volunteers. But now, as several of those dedicated people are eyeing up retirement, it's time to find fresh volunteers as replacements. "I've kind of given my notice," Gloria Wagner explains. She was last year's chairperson, garden judge and special events coordinator, and has been involved in some aspect for the past 11 years. "This year I will train some people, get some people on board." She says the group's main goal is to get "more people doing less work," a common sentiment among volunteer organizations. "Then the chairperson and events coordinator could be four people, instead of just one," she says, laughing. She says anyone with a desire to learn about gardening, get involved in the community, or even bond with their own children through a fun activity, are welcome to sign on. "I don't think we'll be turning anyone away," she adds. The committee meets once a month at East Chilliwack Elementary, with a break in the middle of winter. The garden program is open to all students from grade 1 through 12, including home schoolers, and in one recent year was responsible for the creation of more than 300 student gardens. Students pay $2 for their application form, and the fee is returned if a garden is planted. All the seeds and instructions are provided free of charge, and occasionally, there are free hands-on demonstrations by local, successful green thumbs. Once the gardens are in full swing, judges visit the homes and speak with each young gardener about their efforts; first in June, then again in July. On average there are 150 gardens to judge, ranging from patio and container gardens to full-fledged country garden plots. "There is a broad spectrum of areas the kids can excel in," Wagner says. Kids are invited to enter the Chilliwack Exhibition as well, and are often the recipients of top prizes there. Then in September, another awards ceremony is held for the gardeners. Each receives a special certificate, and some will be awarded with ribbons, medals and trophies. "It is such a wonderful ceremony," she adds, which includes several Chilliwack dignitaries, including Mayor Clint Hames. "The kids love to get medals and ribbons. It's nice to see how delighted the kids are to be rewarded." The program has been running consistently since 1904, although back then the gardens were located right on school grounds. The program went through several changes and updating, but the most significant change came in 1994, when government cutbacks forced the Chilliwack school district to scrap the program from its budget. The current committee was formed one year later, and depends on several local businesses for financial support. They include greenhouse businesses, Brain Minter, Bob Maljaars (Inline Propagators) and Canex. "We are given about $5000 in donated money throughout the year," Wagner explains. The committee and students involved also worked together recently to create their own funds, through the creation of a history book. Each year, they update the book including as many participants as possible. It is available for $20 at school libraries. While Wagner says the program is in real need for more volunteers, she stresses that they should be patient and able to help encourage the young gardener to continue to grow. "We try to be as encouraging as possible," she says. As any gardener will relate, starting from scratch can be daunting, especially in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. She tells stories of depleted little egos stemming from wayward goats to sudden moving plans and even overly-helpful parents. "We've even heard one sad story where a dad went over the garden with a bulldozer," she says. "He didn't even know it was there. There was a lack of communication on someone's part, there." But mostly, the gardens are a great way for children to learn about work ethic and a little science to boot, she says. For those interested in helping out the Chilliwack Schools Garden program by volunteering their time, contact Gloria Wagner at 604-823-4083. ______________________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
