Background

South Winnipeg Garden Club

The gardens at St. Amant  had its beginnings in the early 1930’s with the Grey Nuns . At approximately the same time the Fort Garry Horticultural Society (FGHS) was very active with rental gardens, activities, and held an annual flower show for most of that time. The garden spaces that were being rented by the FGHS membership in Fort Garry were lost due to developments in 1999.

In 2001, the FGHS entered into a lease arrangement with St. Amant Centre. The FGHS merged with gardeners who had been gardening at St Amant for many years. Some of the current gardeners have gardened at St. Amant for over 30 years. The name of the FGHC organization was changed in 2004 to the South Winnipeg Garden Club (SWGC) in order to better reflect the areas of membership, the gardens, and to focus on it’s activities. The club has carried on many of the former initiatives, including renting garden spaces, holding educational meetings and related events. The SWGC provides a  garden experience for over 160 gardeners and their families from all walks of life and many different cultures.  The membership has developed strong relationships with each other over the years.

The SWGC meets regularly through the winter to share experiences and learn from  a variety of external presenters covering many horticultural subjects. Club meetings are held in the Multipurpose Room at Norberry Community Club, programs have expanded and adapted over the years.  The SWGC promotes organic gardening and non-GMO plantings.

Some of the members are involved in other horticultural groups  and have extensive knowledge of horticulture which they share with members, other horticultural groups, and with friends at the gardens.

South Winnipeg Garden Club Community Gardens

There are 111 garden plots, some shared by several members. The club has been investing and enhancing the community garden facilities.

The gardens have an underground irrigation system pipes, bringing water to the garden plots. The club also purchased large water tanks and related equipment to provide a limited alternate source of water to the gardens. These are used when the river conditions prevent use of the normal irrigation system.In 2009/10 and with funding assistance from Shell, Canada, a large three-bin compost facility was constructed that turns leaves and garden waste into black gold. The club members volunteer time for the related work, and a shredder, purchased by the club, assists with shredding material for composting.

A large garden shed was also constructed by the club in 2011 to house much of the equipment and material used.

 

 

 

Many of the members have done significant amending of the soil or otherwise invested in enhancements to their plots, providing more long-term sustainability and enhancement to the location.

Other Club Activities

Each September, gardeners and other club members gather for a picnic at the garden site,where the families share experiences of the summer, exchange surplus harvest, and enjoy a potluck meal together. Awards are handed out based on judging of the gardens but with the greater goals being pride and fresh produce.

Throughout the summer, staff and residents from the St Amant Center and nearby community are frequently seen wandering by the gardens, enjoying the surroundings, chatting with gardeners. Many gardeners live in the immediate area, and travel to the site on foot, or bicycle.

In recent years, orientation takes place for new gardeners, some just new to the club or to Canada. This is always a learning experience.