Editor:
The Ladner Community Garden located on Holly Park Drive in East Ladner has been in existence for a number of years. Local people with a yen to grow their own vegetables are able to satisfy their desire by joining the Ladner Community Garden Society.
For a nominal fee you will be allocated a four-foot-by-10-foot allotment in which you can cultivate your own vegetables for your use or to share with friends.
One of the mandates of our society is to allocate a number of beds in which crops are grown to donate to a worthy charitable cause. This year allotments have been planted with carrots, beets, potatoes and squash which, when harvested, will be donated to All Saints Anglican Church to assist with its monthly free community meal.
The members do an incredible amount of volunteer work to keep the gardens looking nice and many complimentary comments have been received from passing pedestrians.
In recent weeks, with crops coming into their full abundance, there has been theft of some vegetables from some of the members’ allotments. In one instance, a couple was spotted at 6 a.m. walking away with two bags full of vegetables.
Not only is this disappointing for the individuals whose allotments have been raided but this is stealing in one of its lowest forms. If people are that desperate, then approach one of the members and ask for a donation which, I am sure, will gladly be done – but don’t steal.
The police and some nearby neighbours have been notified of these thefts and random surveillance will occur.
To those who are stealing our vegetables and flowers, if you feel a real need to have fresh vegetables on a regular basis without having to go to the store, then make an application to join the society, where you will be welcome. You will then have abundant fresh vegetables of your own choosing as well as the satisfaction of having grown them yourself.
Many of our members are very knowledgeable and are always willing to pass on their wisdom and experiences.
Further information on the Ladner Community Garden Society can be obtained by phoning 604-946-8308. West Coast Seeds on the corner of Elliott Street and River Road will also be able to assist.
David Batchelor
Hon. Secretary
Ladner Community Garden Society
