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8 ·The IFP· Halton Hills ·Thursday, September 20, 2012 Acton Community Gardens was completed from start to finish in record time By TED BROWN Staff Writer Following a relatively short planning period, the Acton Community Gardens were officially opened. The gardens, consisting of 20 raised cedar beds located in Rotary Park, just east of the soccer field off Elizabeth Drive, boast more then 12 varieties of vegetables, numerous flowers, as well as herbs to share with the community. In spite of the fact the concept was initiated in February, with a handful of like-minded people sitting around drinking coffee at Roxy's, the project was completed in record time, compared to most community gardens in the planning stage. "It's hard to believe it came together so fast," said Rishia Burke of Community Development Halton, "As far as community gardens go, this one is a case study in speed. Most (community gardens) take two or more years to go from concept to reality- this one was done in months." At the official opening, Master of Ceremonies Allison Jones recognized the many businesses and individuals who played a key Jones said the next phase of the gardens includes a wheelchair accessible garden bed and a children's garden. In a press release, Jones explained the concept of the gardens. "The Acton Community Gardens is a co-operative garden where people who can help out are able to share in the harvest. The garden is committed to ensuring that a substantial portion of the harvest will be shared with the Food for Life program in Acton via the St. Alban's Anglican Church outreach program. In the spirit of co-operation, we share in the planning, the growing, the fun and laughter, the risks and the joy of the harvest." The garden is only the first stage of ALLISON the project JONES as plans are in the works to use the gardens as a rallying place, teaching would-be gardeners techniques to use in their own gardens at home by Rev. Brian Galligan of St. Alban's Anglican church in Acton was on hand to share the vision and encourage the natural and spiritual growth with Acton Community Gardens. All photos by Ted Brown Photo Gallery at www.theifp.ca/photos/ part in the planning and construction of the 20 gardens. She also spoke a bit on the philosophy of the gardens, which is summarized in four main benefits: Growing, Sharing, Learning and Caring. Corinna Wong (left) Sloane Boorman took their turn planting the new gardens at the Acton Community Gardens opening. bringing in master gardeners to instruct. There are also plans to organize workshops for children, showing them how to plant and grow food, part of an educational program. At the ceremony, Rev. Brian Galligan of St. Albans Anglican Church addressed the crowd, drawing comparisons of the garden to life. "It takes deep roots to provide life and build a (community) garden," said Galligan, "The body is nourished by the food, the soul is nourished by the relationships built working together, and the soul is nourished by spiritual contemplation of the crops." The Acton Community Gardens is only the start of the project, and all volunteers involved share a pride of taking part, as well as a passion for the projecta recipe to see it grow bigger and better with the coming years. $!# VICTORIAN FASHION SHOW & HIGH TEA 4HURSDAY3EPTEMBERs^PM %)))# $* +('$ * " &+! )++) 100 Ken Whillans Dr., Brampton, ON ! !! "!% Fun, activities, housekeeping, dining and care... all under one roof. You might say that Chartwell retirement residences are If the time has come to consider your options for retirement living, we invite you to join us for a complimentary meal and the opportunity to learn more. ! $!$ ! Making People's Lives Better