A small seed can yield big things, and not just pumpkins, beets or carrots, but friendship, community, health and even the sharing of traditions.
These are just some of the goals Battleford's Family Health Centre is aiming for with the Community Garden Project.
"The community gardens really show what a community can accomplish," said Kent Lindgren, a family wellness worker with BFHC.
Starting with just 11 plots four years ago, the community garden project has now grown to 62 plots in two locations, one in North Battleford and one in Battleford.
This year, the North Battleford garden doubled in size when landowner John Delaire generously donated the use of his lot, which is adjacent to the pre-existing garden space. A number of years ago, a house burned down on Delaire's lot, leaving it empty. When Delaire said the project could make use of his lot, the City of North Battleford leveled and cultivated the area for the garden, and private donations of soil had the garden ready for planting this spring.
"We are very excited about the growth of our gardens," said Lindgren at the garden's opening and blessing event.
Elder Verna Whitford sang an honour song at the event, and Elder Harvey Burglar provided a blessing of tobacco.
The project features activities every Wednesday, and a number of cooking and canning and preserving classes. A healthy meal is provided at each of the activities, and is often made with ingredients from the garden, or preserves from last year's garden.
Muriel Anderson is participating for the first time in the Community Garden Project. She signed up for a plot because she misses gardening - she hasn't been able to since she moved to the city three years ago. Anderson gardened when she lived in Edam for 23 years. She also used to garden when she lived on a farm.
"It's pretty good gardening, except we need more sunshine," said Anderson.
Emma Lonesinger also has a plot, which she tends with her two-year-old son, Max.
"I like it because Max gets to help out and learn how to plant," she said.
Lindgren credits the success of the garden to the help and support from the Town of Battleford, the City of North Battleford, BTC Indian Health Services and countless volunteers and donors.
