SJHS

GARDEN PLOT

Garden Handbook
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FROM THE GARDEN COMMITTEE

Hello Gardeners,

The garden is buzzing and some of that is from how  great the volunteer response has been .

There are many more tasks that could be filled , some one time jobs some more regular, have a look at the list and see if there is something you would like to do if you haven't already participated as a volunteer.

List of Possible Volunteer Tasks

Onsite:

Saturday Mornings 9am

Wednesday Evenings 7pm

Shed Care, Tool Allocation, Assistance to Gardners

Garbage - Prepare for pick up & Clean up

Utilities - Liason with city road, Garbage & Water

Grounds Care - Mowing Whipper-snipping, pollinator garden, berm, shelter belt, spruce tree nursery

Plot Marker Placement

Photographers

"Ask Me" Mentors

Administrative:

Accounts Payable Admin - Collect & pay bills for gas, garbage, bags, toilet paper etc

Social and educational events planning

Fundraising

Thank You Notes

If you are interested in any of these tasks please contact volunteer coordinator

Karen, at karenc5454@oiutlook.com

 

Reminders to Gardeners

  • Sign and return your agreement forms (there is important information and expectations communicated with in)
  • Gardening in plots need to start before June 15 unless otherwise notified or risk losing your plot,
  • It is important to remove weeds especially quackgrass as they can quickly take over and invade neighboring plots.

 

A Gentle Reminder About Garden Kindness

As our garden fills with new growth and busy hands, it’s a good moment to remind ourselves how much we all value this shared space. Each gardener puts time, care, and heart into their plants, and a little mindfulness goes a long way in keeping our community garden a welcoming place for everyone.

Please remember to tend only your own plot, handle shared areas with care, and be thoughtful when moving around others’ beds or trays. If you ever notice something that doesn’t seem quite right, a quiet word to a member of the Garden Committee helps us keep the garden safe and enjoyable for all.

Thank you for helping nurture not just your plants, but the spirit of kindness and respect that makes our garden community so special.

 

2023 GARDEN GUIDELINES FOR ST JAMES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY GARDEN MEMBERS

  1. All gardeners must be paid members of the St James Horticultural Society. Children under the age of 18 are welcome and do not require a Membership. Please inform the Garden Committee of changes to your contact information.
  2. Garden fees of $50 per plot must be paid by January 15th. While fees help cover a portion of the garden operating costs, the Society relies on garden members to volunteer their time for various garden tasks.
  3. Water will be turned on mid-May and turned off mid-September, weather dependent.
    a. Please use water wisely.
    b. Garden hoses must not be connected to the community water taps.
    c. Garden produce can be washed at home or within your garden plot, but not at the community water taps.
  4. Gardeners must start work in their gardens by June 10. After this date, the garden plot will be forfeited if garden work has not begun. At the end of the growing season remove tools, barrels, and ropes. Please compost your vegetable material in your garden plot.
  5. Gardeners can choose to manage garden plots using no-till or tillage practices. Gardens should be kept free of weeds, insects, and diseases. Synthetic pesticides (insecticides and herbicides) are not permitted. Organic fertilizers are recommended.
  6. Gardener practices to promote community, gardener enjoyment and safety: Please respect your neighbours' plots and the hard work they put into their gardens. Do not walk through or pick flowers or vegetables from other plots. Dogs are not permitted in the garden. Please pick up after yourself.

Questions? Contact the Garden Committee: stjameshortgardeners@gmail.com

Test Plot Gardening in St. James, Manitoba
by J. P. DE WET – excerpt from "The Prairie Garden" (1966)

During the summer of 1965 the St. James Horticultural Society provided a number of test plots for interested suburban home owners. Several promising new vegetable varieties under trial at the University of Manitoba were grown in co-operation with the Plant Science Department.

This has given the Society a broader field of general usefulness, and its members a fresh keenness in their hobby. Here was an activity whose ends went further than the home kitchen and the freezer. It directed their interest into knowledge of the new varieties as well as some of the scientific factors involved in the breeding and production of varieties superior to the presently known ones.

St. James Gardeners organized themselves into a society in 1914. This was the year of the outbreak of the First World War when the call went out that all should supply their own individual needs with Victory gardens and many plots were put under cultivation during the war years. In November 1929, the Society applied to the Manitoba Government for a Certificate of Organization under the Manitoba Horticultural Societies Act, and received Certificate No. 8, dated December 1, 1929.

Through succeeding years Society members had their garden plots in different areas of the municipality. The present location on Silver Avenue was secured under a long term lease from the City of Winnipeg.

 

HISTORY

 

The St. James Horticultural Society was organized in November 1914 by 13 St. James gardeners, during the First World War when Victory Gardens were encouraged and many plots were put under cultivation.

In November 1929, the Society applied to the Manitoba Government for a Certificate of Organization under the Manitoba Horticultural Societies Act, and received Certificate No. 8 dated December 1, 1929.

Around 1938, the St. James municipal council allowed the Society use of land in the north part of the city for annual competition plots. Cultivation of the area has continued ever since.

In 1965, the Society also began a test-plot project with the University of Manitoba Plant Science Department, giving members a broader field of usefulness and new keenness in their hobby.