The Town of Stettler and County of Stettler have jointly proclaimed 2022 as the “Year of the Garden.”
County of Stettler Reeve Larry CLarke and Town of Stettler Coun. Wayne Smith signed the proclamation in a ceremony on April 29.
A national celebration organized by the Communities in Bloom program and the Canadian Garden Council, the Year of the Garden’s stated goal is to encourage “all types of gardening, which benefits our health and the health of our planet,” according to a press release.
“Growing some of our own food keeps our food local and cuts the effects of transportation,” said Grace Fix, chair of the Heartland Beutification Committee, in the release.
“If each just grow a little something, collectively it makes a huge difference.”
Local plans for the Year of the Garden include a garden tour on Sat. June 18.
June 18 is “National Garden Day,” and members of the public will be invited to explore the many types of gardening possible in the region.
Taking part in the events of the Year of the Garden are Stettler Public Library and Heartland Youth Centre who are each building raised garden beds to look after in 2022.
Any members of the public wishing to try their hand at gardening but don’t have suitable space or soil of their own are encouraged to rent a plot at one of Stettler’s three Community Gardens.
The cost for a plot rental is from $5 to $20 for the season, depending on the size, and they can be rented by contacting the recreation office at 403-741-4411.
In addition to the three community gardens, the Town of Stettler also has a community orchard on the west end of town which is expected to be in full production this year, producing apples, pears, saskatoons, raspberries and rhubarb, among other things.
Members of the public are invited to help themselves to any of the produce as it matures through the summer months.