Sustain (SU) Community Garden (formerly Ecos South Campus Garden)

• Located at: 89th Avenue, between 110th and 111th Streets, on the north side of the street
• Number of plots: (no individual plots)
• Total garden area: 244 m²
• Gardening style: Entirely organic. Wooden boxes or mounded soil provide us with raised beds on which we grow our produce: vegetables, fruit and herbs.
• Number of participants: approximately 55 volunteers (students, staff, faculty) who live or work on, or near campus. (2007)
• Fee: free... just your time, effort and smiles!

The Campus Community Garden started in the spring of 2003. Our mandate is as follows:

• To produce food on campus, without the use of pesticides, chemicals, genetically modified plants, or treated city water.
• To promote awareness of organic farming, food production, and the ECOS office.
• To provide organic, fresh and healthy food for students and the wider Edmonton community through either the Campus food bank or other similar programs.
• To create nature connected recreational opportunities for students.
• To promote the cultivation of local, hardy and easily managed vegetables.

Currently (2007), there are about 55 regular gardeners who volunteer throughout the summer, but participation varies from week to week. We have a mix of gardeners, including children, seniors, new immigrants, and students, most of which are students in the area.

Garden improvements/additions in 2007

1. The already existing greenhouse which was built in a previous season from recycled windows and doors was painting with 'ecologic' paint obtained for free from the Eco-Station. Not only did this little renovation add an increased aesthetic appeal to our garden, but it is also in line with the garden's sustainable and environmentally friendly agenda.
2. In addition to the paint, the greenhouse was further improved with the addition of lattice work which extends from the roof and descends down to the ground. This structure allows the climbing vine plants a perfect opportunity to grown to their full potential. As well as creating a spot for the vines, this lattice has created a space that garden members can gather and socialize in between tasks.
3. A goal for several seasons has been the implementation of signage for the various cultivars grown in the garden. This was put into action using plant labels purchased from Lee Valley. These plant labels are not only useful for this season in identifying crops but are reusable and thus can be used for many seasons to come.
4. Another exciting and much anticipated addition to the garden was the new compost system. Although there had previously been a compost bin at the garden, it was in disrepair and was full of inappropriate items. This old bin was replaced with one obtained from the John Janzen Nature Centre. The staff at the Nature Centre along with some of the garden's expert volunteers helped to properly set up the compost. Also, signage was put up to encourage the community to use the bins by adding appropriate materials.

Interested gardeners should contact sustain@su.ualberta.ca to to learn more or you can add yourself to the listserv.