Community Garden – Magic in the Making
Sorrento Centre Media Release
Some magic seeds were planted on a Friday in mid-February when a group of people gathered to learn about Nourishing Food Resilient Communities at a free seminar hosted by Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre.
There was a wonderful array of diverse experiences in the room: people who have managed community gardens, several local farmers, a retired parks official from Alberta, a corporate lawyer with experience in financial management, a former cattle rancher and others with a keen interest in growing good food.
Facilitator Samara Sonmor explained the challenges of food security at a time when food costs are sky high, as well as the impact Covid has had on a global market. Her message focused on local food supplies as a practical way to increase food resilience. Sonmor is a longtime advocate of community gardens, has managed three community gardens and an experimental farm in Vernon.
The seminar was the first step in creating a community garden on the Sorrento Centre’s seven-acre farm just north of the Trans Canada off Coubeaux Road. A year ago, a portion of the land was brought back to life thanks to Angelo Fiaschetti, the Centre’s Farm Manager. Nourish is the Centre’s 2024 theme and it led Centre staff to begin imagining what a community garden would look like.
Associate Director Kathie MacDuff explained the Centre’s vision of the community garden as a place for diverse people of all ages to gather with a common purpose: growing healthy, nutritious food. A community garden can be a tool for promoting physical and emotional health, connecting with nature and teaching life skills.
“It is all about community, “MacDuff said. “It gets people out of their homes and sharing their knowledge. It shows children where food comes from and instills a connection to nature and others.”
Sorrento Conference and Retreat Centre is forming an Advisory Committee and staff. Are you interested? Please contact Kathie MacDuff at 250-675-2421, Ext. 107 or email kathie@sorrentocentre.ca. The committee will identify potential users, develop a Memorandum of Understanding, formulate a long-term vision and budget and identify potential donors and sponsors. “There’s lots of work to be done,” said MacDuff, “but we will start small, allowing the community garden to unfold in manageable phases.”
Tonya Fleming, a neighbour of the Centre’s farm, was present Friday night. She has generously committed $10,000 for the project as well as pro bono legal services. “I’m thrilled to be involved with this initiative”, she said. Fleming recently launched a small business called Lakehouse Pantry (jams and other preserves made with Shuswap area fruits and vegetables). Last year, she donated all revenues to the Shuswap wildfire efforts.
Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre is asking community residents if they’d like to rent a raised garden bed. The cost is $15 annually per bed with a two-bed limit. Please refer to the contact information above. Knowing how many beds will allow for an accurate garden design for 2024.
Join us as we continue to plant the magic seeds for a project that is tasty, fun and nourishing for body, mind and spirit.
