Community garden thrives in Simcoe

Gracen Pickard and Dave Zeldon shared information last Saturday about the John Race Memorial Community Garden at the Waterford Seedy Saturday Garden and Homestead Market. 

Chris Abbott

Editor

Today’s thriving community garden in Simcoe all began with an idea sparked by John W. Race.

“Eighteen years ago… John Race (1926-2014), who was a local philanthropist, found a need for a community garden in the Simcoe area, and had some land to donate,” said Dave Zeldon, who was happy to jump onboard. “He approached me, a recently retired teacher of horticulture and agriculture, to run the gardens. And as everyone knows, you can’t say no to John Race.”

Today, the John Race Memorial Community Garden – on land owned by the Race family - has 30 21’x21’ garden plots, which gardeners have access to for a $30 seasonal fee.

“We have evolved over the years from 9’x11’ to larger plots,” said Zeldon, also noting the addition of on-site composting. “I’d say it’s changed a lot of over the years.

“We’ve had some people that have been here almost from the beginning. New people come and go… when they find out how much work it is for weed control,” he added with a smile.

Zeldon said the key is to make weed control part of your routine.

Digging, planting and weeding are great forms of outdoor exercise, and growing vegetables encourages a healthier diet. Also, there is often cost savings.

For some, weeding can reduce stress.

“The best part of it is weeding, I love to weed,” said Hilde Makkink, who owns a flower farm and café near Tillsonburg. “If I have a busy day in the store, and my head is full, I go in the field and I weed for two hours. It’s so relaxing! It’s just my happy place – weeding in my flower fields.”

There is socialization, said Zeldon, and a sense of community.

“Socialization is the big thing. They all get together and they talk about gardening, exchange ideas and plant material.”

The John Race Memorial Community Garden is located on Gilbertson Drive, near the White Horse Bowling on Davis Street.

“It’s somewhat secluded, but it’s easy to get to.” The field is prepped in April, using a cultivator donated by the University of Guelph, and manure donated by a local farmer.

Depending on spring weather, gardens should be ready early May and gardeners are expected to have planting underway by May 30.

For more information, email JWRMemorialGarden@gmail.com or call Garden Coordinators Zach (519-420-0452), Sandy (519-429-9722) or Dave (519-410-5807).

“I just like to see the happy gardeners – they are always saying ‘thank you’ for all the work we do – and the appreciation,” said Zeldon.