Community garden coming to Oyama

Photo: Contributed

COCG President Ruth Mellor signs Oyama Garden Agreement as Becky Vien looks on.

Central Okanagan Community Gardens (COCG) and Oyama Community Club (OCC) have signed an agreement to work together to bring a Community Garden to Oyama.

There was some skepticism when the idea of a community garden was first introduced, according to Marj Dickie, Garden Coordinator. “Many people think that because Oyama is a community of single family dwellings, that everyone would have space in their yard. However, when you consider the number of secondary suites, yards that are heavily shaded and properties that are too steep to use, we are confident that the garden plots will be well utilized.”

In fact, support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We have land we are not using and the garden fits perfectly with our agricultural heritage,” says Deb Butler, President of OCC.

The garden will provide families a chance to grow healthy food. “The COCG’s mission is to help neighbourhoods and communities create sustainable green spaces for gardening, food production, gathering and education,” says Ruth Mellor, COCG President. With this addition, we will have gardens throughout the Central Okanagan from Oyama in the North to West Kelowna in the south.”

The Oyama Garden will consist of approximately twenty-one 8’ X 16’ plots.  IN April 2014, the ‘main build’ will occur so that gardeners can get their plots up and running by May. Gardeners who participate in the build are guaranteed a plot, and will have first dibs on plots. 

The cost to rent a plot is $20.00 a year with an initial deposit of $5.00 for a shed key.

If you are interested in volunteering your time, you can contact Marj Dickie at 250-548-3837 or email [email protected]