Image courtesy of Common Roots Urban Farm.
October 22, 2024
Written by Starr Cunningham, President & CEO – Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
““Big things often have small beginnings.””
This statement is as true today as it was ten years ago when it opened the first Back to Our Roots (BTOR) Urban Farm Community Report.
As Co-Chairs of the Urban Farm Steering Committee over a decade ago, Shauna Blundon and I were hopeful that what began as a tiny sprout of an idea to find savings in the hospital’s lawn maintenance budget would flourish into a bountiful reality.
WOW — was our optimism warranted!
Today the urban farm at the Nova Scotia Hospital site in Dartmouth boasts 85 community plots, 50 production plots, 80 market plots, a greenhouse, two sheds, and a myriad of volunteers.
Over the last decade it has welcomed patients, recreational and occupational therapists, clinicians, Nova Scotia Hospital staff, community members, young families, and newcomers to Canada. A few years back, it even started to outgrow its name, so BTOR was changed to the Common Roots Woodside Urban Farm, a project of Metro Works.
This past weekend there was a community celebration to mark the garden’s milestone year. Shauna and I met at my office and walked to the site together. As we approached the gathering, it was almost like the sunshine was waiting for us. Blue skies, live music, diverse participants of all ages, garden treats from the soil, and even some familiar faces from the garden’s earliest days.
The festive scene stopped us in our tracks and moved us both to joyous laughter: what was once a view of two oxen breaking ground back in 2014 had transformed into one of an outdoor party brimming with families, fun, and fresh food ten years later.
Here’s what I noticed. The warmth of the sun matched the warmth of the people. The growth in confidence found on the faces of novice farmers mirrored the growth of the garden. The beauty of spontaneous community connections happening all around me rivalled the beauty of nature itself.
I had always expected the garden would produce nutritious vegetables, fragrant herbs, and stunning flowers. I hoped it would grow fresh relationships, therapeutic benefits, and extraordinary learning opportunities. I just didn’t realize it would serve as such a burgeoning hub for happiness, friendship, and hope.
Thank you to the amazing Hillary Lindsay for making this magic happen. The garden has positively flourished under her love and care.
To our founding committee of volunteers including Sean Feeney, Colleen Fraser, Paul Little, Jayme Melrose, Brian Rankine, Maureen Wheller and Norman Wiegers – way to grow!
Here’s to another decade of digging in dirt, bountiful harvests, and thriving community bonds. Shauna and I are feeling optimistic all over again and can’t wait to see what blossoms here next!