Marie-Lou's Exotic Discoveries

A few years ago, I did not know a lot about gardening. As a food bank recipient, I wished to have more diversity of what I consumed as well as access to organic edibles which tend to be financially challenging to procure in groceries. Consequentially, I partook in workshops and a collective garden whereby all shared tasks, harvest, and experience.

The newfound knowledge gave me the courage of obtaining a community garden lot whereby and implementing techniques learned has made my own garden flourish. Some years I’ve had over 70 species in my garden. This year, due to being unable to buy plants, I’ve had to primarily depend upon seeds, bulbs I previously planted, and my perennials. Regardless of the challenges, I succeeded in having over 40 species in a lot of 10’x20’!

Within the garden community, I am known for having “exotic” tastes. I enjoy answering gardeners’ questions. I share with them uncommon techniques that I have learned (including separating my lot into 4 to permit crop rotations and using red tarps & tents to help protect plants and increase production rates). I also showcase the variety of plants cohabitating and enriching each other’s presence. It would be an honour to be certified as a biodiversity and an edible garden.