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MY TOWN: Garden workshops to ready for spring

There are currently a lot of great initiatives happening throughout the Hazelton’s including several gardening workshops and gatherings.

There are currently a lot of great initiatives happening throughout the Hazelton’s including several gardening workshops and gatherings.

It seems that there is a growing realization of the importance of growing our own food for several reasons. There are of course the concerns surrounding pesticides, chemicals and things such as steroids which are being added to our foods. All of which could be potentially hazardous to our health.

Then there are other issues such as supply and demand as well as those who believe it is important to be able to be self sufficient. Although all of the above are great reasons to grow what food we can, there is also a real reward to being able to nurture and produce our own fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only do we know exactly what we are eating and can feel confident in that fact but we don’t have to go far to get it.

There is something so amazing about strolling out to the garden to harvest fresh vegetables for one’s dinner or picking fresh fruit as a treat. Then there is the added bonus when one involves children.

I found that the younger children love helping in the garden. They enjoy planting, using gardening tools, helping with the watering and of course many just enjoy playing in the dirt…. I truly believe that learning how to grow and care for things is a wonderful quality to teach our children and I much rather be out in the yard working, producing things and contributing in many ways than sitting in a house watching television.

Yet perhaps one of the greatest assets is the fact they can snack on fresh peas or strawberries while playing outside. While this may not be practical for many people and not everyone has a yard, there are lots of ways this can still happen.

Window boxes or even small planters inside or on porch can grow food. Then there is the time argument when so many of us work hard and don’t feel like spending time gardening in our precious time off. However, once again, it doesn’t take much…. a few hours to start initially may be required but a small box garden is minimal work with a huge reward. Currently in Hazelton there is a great program called the Backyard Gardeners Club that meets weekly at the Learning Shop in Old Hazelton.

This is a wonderful resource whether you are a new gardener or an old hat at it. There are some very knowledgeable people who are involved and others who are full of great new ideas. If you just have a question or are wondering what your options may be or even want to help out, take the time to stop by and join in the growing movement! You never know you may just find you have a green thumb and the taste of your own labour of love may be the best meal you ever had.