Pat Kelly
Last year, one of the Bronson Centre’s courtyards was transformed into a flourishing raised bed vegetable garden.
The garden was created by members of the centre’s Real Inclusion by Seniors Everywhere (RISE) program, a seniors-led initiative which addresses the isolation and inclusion of those 55-plus.
Volunteers began planning the garden early in 2020. They transformed the space from an empty concrete courtyard to a vibrant living urban space where staff, volunteers, and visitors find a colourful sanctuary.
They designed and installed raised cedar beds, added wheels, and filled them with “organic soil, seedlings and hope.” To make the most of the space, they opted for Square Foot Gardening, a gardening method that divides the growing area into one-foot sections to create a densely planted vegetable garden. This method requires less space, less water, and much less work, with almost no weeding, digging, rototilling, or heavy tools–making it easier for older gardeners.
The garden vegetables are contributed to the Dalhousie Food Cupboard, the area food bank, providing welcome fresh produce for its clients.
This summer, Bronson RISE is looking for volunteers to join in expanding urban gardens into more of the outdoor spaces at the centre. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Interested? Contact garden@dalhousiefoodcupboard.ca
Pat Kelly is the Project Manager for Bronson RISE.
