| The garden will include a combination of fruit trees and edible indigenous plants. “We have a detailed planting map, but it’s not written in stone,” Wilson said. They plan to incorporate basic permaculture features into the garden as well as traditional forms of garden landscaping. “[We] definitely want to provide space for people to learn how to cultivate food. That’s primary,” Wilson said.
Roberts Creek Community School Society is spearheading the project, and it’s largely financially supported by the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, SD46 and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Volunteers, local business sponsors and other smaller funders have also been supporting the project, including Larry Popowich of Periplum Garden Construction & Design, who Wilson said has been “integral.”
“Projects like this are really done on the backs of local businesses. They are generous, so generous,” Wilson said.
The starting budget for the project was $10,000. The pavilion ended up costing $13,000, and with donations and volunteer labour, Wilson estimates the value of the pavilion to be closer to $40,000. Since securing initial funding, the project has grown its budget to $38,000, including for the pavilion.
The next phase is slated to begin next month, but there is no firm timeline for com- pletion given the project’s dependence on volunteers and donated materials. “When you’re counting on volunteers, you take whatever they are offering up. Sometimes things take a little longer,” Wilson said.
The project is still seeking volunteers to help with garden shed construction and to install raised beds for the garden. The project is also seeking wood chips, soil and mulch for paths and garden beds.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Wilson at rccs@dccnet.com. |