The Slave Lake Community Garden is off to a strong start this growing season.

Located near the Slave Lake Health Care Centre, the community garden opened for the season in April and May.

“All 16 plots are full,” says Tim Horsman, the organizer of the garden. He is from Primary Care Alberta. “We also have a number of people on the waiting list.”

According to Horsman, all 16 garden plots this season have been filled, and interest remains high.

A garden plot is a designated parcel of cultivated land used to grow vegetables, flowers or herbs, according to the internet,

The garden sits in the area where the mammography bus was previously located. It’s near the Slave Lake Health Care Centre, says Horsman.

Individuals who secure a plot are responsible for maintaining it throughout the growing season.

Horsman says many of the gardeners have been involved with the community garden for several years and return annually to grow a variety of plants and vegetables.

The garden includes vegetables, plants, and flowers. Horsman says that the project is about more than just food production.

“Mostly, it’s for the town’s beautification,” he says.
While the plots currently contain mostly seeds and newly planted crops, Horsman expects that the community will begin seeing significant growth as warmer summer weather arrives.

The community garden has a long history in Slave Lake. Horsman explains that the original garden was established in 2010. Following the 2011 wildfire, the garden was eventually relocated and rebuilt in its current location in 2017.

“The garden was moved by a helicopter,” says Horsman.

The project was expanded when it was rebuilt, creating additional space for local residents interested in gardening.

Beyond growing vegetables and flowers, Horsman says the garden serves an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles and mental well-being.

“The goal of the garden is to encourage gardening,” he says. “It’s also for the benefits of mental health.”

Gardening can help reduce stress and provide people with an opportunity to spend time outdoors, Horsman adds.

This year’s growing season has also received favourable weather conditions. Recent rainfall has helped keep the garden well-watered, says Horsman.

“The rain barrel is full, so we haven’t needed to water the plots as much over the past few weeks,” says Horsman. “It’s always nice to have enough rain. It’s been a great gardening season.”

With all plots occupied and gardeners already at work, the community garden is expected to remain a vibrant part of Slave Lake throughout the summer months.
“I feel good. This is a good start,” Horsman says.

Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader