Community Gardens

The St. Matthews' neighbourhood is home to four community gardens, located on the streets of McGee, Maryland, Victor, and Toronto. Because the community has few spaces and yards are small, the gardens are an important way of reclaiming vacant lots and transforming them into beautiful community spaces. In the gardens, neighbours of all ages can meet each other, work together, learning and sharing gardening skills. Since the neighbourhood is home to people from many countries and cultures, plants and techniques from around the world are shared. There are also opportunities for environmental education; the gradens are chemical-free and home to composters and a compost demonstration site.

The community gardens consist mainly of communal beds, although individual plots are also available on request. There are often special plots for children to garden. Neigbours and interested gardeners are invited to spring meetings at which ideas are shared and the gardens are planned. Although neighbours are welcome to garden whenever they are able, community gardening times are also set and advertised, and tools are provided. Garderners share the harvest, and any leftover food is used in community development programs at St. Matthew's-Maryland Community Ministry.

We welcome participation in the gardens; please call 774-1957 for more information. Donations of seeds, seedlings, tools, topsoil, manure, compost, mulch, fencing materials, etc. are also very welcome.

Back to Programs