Rockland’s community garden is one step closer to reality, with the volunteer group behind the project hoping to be ready to open in time for spring of 2023.

The community garden received approval from Clarence-Rockland city council in early October, with the city also providing a half-acre plot of land in Rockland’s Alain Potvin Park. What is needed now are funds. To that end the group is hosting two fundraisers in over the next few weeks.

Bad to the Bow Grooming, located at 1695 Landry Street in Clarence Creek, will be hosting a fundraiser for the community garden project on Sunday, November 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will offer dog nail trimming for $10 and dog portraits for $20, as well as a raffle for a dog or cat gift basket valued at $150.

On Saturday, December 10, Amy’s Little Plant Shop, located at 2848 Laurier Street in Rockland, will host a holiday cheer fundraiser for the project. Volunteers are collecting donations from the community for a silent auction on Facebook. Gift wrapping will also be available and the group is planning a holiday-themed photo booth.

Raised garden beds and handicapped accessibility

The seasonal plots for the community garden will consist of raised garden beds, as the soil at Alain Potvin Park is rocky. Accessible standing garden beds will also be provided and plans are to make the site handicapped accessible.

“I want to express our need for community support,” says Stephanie Marcil, one of the volunteers involved in the project, adding that some local businesses have committed to supporting the project.

Volunteers plan to return to Clarence-Rockland city council to request financial support for the project. The group will also seek to obtain grant money.

Organizers of the community garden have launched a GoFundme page to support the project.

The focus of the community garden will be to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers using sustainable organic gardening practices.  Over time, those organizing the project have plans for additional enhancement projects that may include a children’s garden,  pollinator garden, and edible trees and shrubs. 

The garden will be available to join by purchasing a membership or by volunteering in various ways.

Anyone who would like more information is invited to visit the Rockland Community Garden webpage at https://www.rocklandcommunitygarden.ca/ The group also maintains a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rocklandcommunitygarden, and can be reached by email directly at [email protected].

The location of the planned community gardens site in Rockland’s Alain Potvin Park. Submitted Photo