Community gardens open in Vancouver with new layouts to accommodate physical distancing | Local News

By Editor Last updated Sep 20, 2021

VANCOUVER, WA (KPTV) – The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the opening of Vancouver’s group gardens by 10 days this yr. Tuesday was the primary day gardeners might get their fingers soiled.

The pandemic meant redesigning the gardens and widening the walkways to make sure there was sufficient area for bodily distancing.

Tom Dollemore got here to his property very first thing on Tuesday morning.

That is Dollemore’s eighth yr within the Northeast Vancouver Group Backyard – one in every of 5 group gardens operated by metropolis parks.

“You probably did an excellent job laying it out and enhancing it this yr,” Dollemore advised FOX 12.

Dollemore planted 24 tomato crops.

“Lots of that is going to be put within the freezer and we’ll be utilizing it yr spherical,” mentioned Dollemore.

Group gardens had been created as a manner for individuals with out land to develop their very own wholesome meals.

“I plant cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots,” says Nadia, a group gardener in Vancouver.

For individuals like Nadia, who’s from Ukraine, the gardens meet an actual want for contemporary fruit and greens – less expensive than within the grocery store.

The gardens are additionally a pleasure for many who like bodily work.

Dollemore advised FOX 12 that he’s getting so much out of group gardening, together with the group.

“It is a very worldwide combine right here. And also you see individuals from Southeast Asia, you see individuals from Russia. You see them doing their factor and it is instructional,” mentioned Dollemore. “It is enjoyable and you will get concerned within the broad group.”

The backyard plots are just for returning gardeners this yr.

Vancouver Parks mentioned they’ve been unable to register new gardeners as a result of momentary layoffs within the division as a result of pandemic.

Vancouver Parks reminds gardeners to take all regular precautions: do not go to gardens if you’re sick, maintain your distance, restrict interactions, and wash your fingers if you get residence, and any merchandise you convey .

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