Springtime in the Garden

By Linda Chan

With the sunny warmer weather, it is a wonderful time to be outdoors and working or playing in the garden! For many of us who live in apartments or townhouses in James Bay, finding garden space may be a bit a challenge - especially when there are long waiting lists for our allotment gardens! However, having said that, there are other options available. The James Bay Community Project, with the assistance of James Bay Sustainability Commons, is currently working at restoring its gardens. The garden is mostly landscape with opportunities for growing food and native plants. Volunteers to assist in this project would be greatly appreciated - Please call Catriona at (250) 388-7844 or Linda at (250) 380-6383. Also Spring Ridge Commons, a permaculture garden located in Fernwood, holds monthly Work Parties - The next Work Party is on Sunday, May 8 from 1 - 4 p.m. and everyone is invited to come and help out! Web site is:

For people who have balconies and outdoor space for growing food, you may like to check out these Farmers Market for purchasing plant starts:

James Bay Market - Saturdays May to October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Corner of Menzies and Superior Details:

Moss Street Community Market - Saturdays, May to the end of October from 10am to 2pm.  Location: school grounds at the corner of Moss and Fairfield. Details:

Downtown Victoria Farmers Market - 4th Sunday of each month during

the summer:  May 22, June 26, July 24 + August 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Lower Level - Market.   Square Details: