helping hands

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Randy Chatterjee on March 2, 2010 at 8:45am

Count me in. We also bought too many seeds (on purpose, and to share).

I also have literally tons of reclaimed lumber, some of which is not suitable for construction but perfect for raised beds. It is 2x6 and 2x10 material in 12 to 15 foot lengths. I could bring some over on my car, if you'd be interested.

I am working out of town just now, but back in Vancouver on the 7th.

Permalink Reply by Ann Pacey on March 2, 2010 at 9:16am

That would be great Rand. Thanks.

I was also wondering if we might formalize this, or if there was some sort of exchange already in existence that we might tie into. I remember there being a community garden group but don't know much about them.

Permalink Reply by Randy Chatterjee on March 3, 2010 at 9:40pm

I think we can manage a seed exchange just within VV, with Mary perhaps a lead convenor in that area. Helping each other out with labour and extra supplies has to stay within VV, IMHO. The Main Streeters are going over to Celia Brauer's next month to plan her 100' back yard. (She's on a 200' lot.) I am supplying Sidria with wood for her composter as well. We are already doing more than I could have imagined.

In comparison, very little is happening in terms of organized collaboration among the 11 community gardens in Vancouver. The Vancouver Urban Agriculture Network (VUAN) has had a facebook page for almost a year and it has just 13 members. Judging by how the various community gardens look, and what produce or even flowers they output, I am not terribly surprised.

There is another seed exchange in existence, and I posted that resource on our Community Gardening group home page. I also shared seeds with a guy in North Vancouver last year, also found via the web.

Permalink Reply by Julia Smith on April 16, 2010 at 5:18pm

Hi Ann! Probably too late now but maybe we can lend a hand next time. We're just at 41st and Blenheim. Would love to get a neighbourhood group set up for stuff like this.

Permalink Reply by Ann Pacey on April 17, 2010 at 9:27am

Hi Julia
Yes I have my garden in already. But, would love to meet you. We're only a few blocks away, I'm on Mayfair almost to Dunbar. The new garden is in the front yard, so if you are out for a walk, come on by. I'm sure you'll recognize it.
By the way, a neighbor on Blenheim and Mayfair is looking for someone to help out in her garden. She's a chef and has just rented a house there with a large garden, but is lacking in gardening experience. Are you interested? I can put you in touch.
I see from your pictures you have chickens. I'm picking our chicks up this weekend, and would love to share chicken lore.
What kind are yours?

Permalink Reply by Julia Smith on April 17, 2010 at 5:49pm

Hi Ann!

I wouldn't say that I exactly have gardening experience but I'd be happy to talk to anyone about what I have done and what I'm doing. I also have 2 teenage boys that could probably be persuaded to do some heavy lifting/yard work if you know anyone who could use a hand.

Have to keep this short as I'm supposed to be studying right now but just wanted to mention that we're picking up some polish chicks this weekend too but we're only keeping one so if you would like one, let me know! What are you getting? Right now we have Marans, Golden Penciled Hamburgs (keeping one of them for a friend) and a pretty little bantum that is probably a mix. We'll be swapping one of them out for the polish when she's big enough so if you know anyone looking for laying hens, I'll have a few available soon.

Hope to meet you soon! I added u as a friend so I'll email you our address.