by Hayley Bedford
Saturday , September 11, saw the return of the Planted Arrow’s Garden Party Market and what a day it was! The Town of Winchester was buzzing as shoppers walked through the market which was set up at two different locations between the St. Paul’s Community Garden and the Planted Arrow itself.
The community was also treated to live performances throughout the day from local band ‘Branded’ which was rocking on Sweet Corner in between the two market venues.
The highlight of the day was Fries for Charity, which was raising funds for the continuation and development of the St. Paul’s Community Garden.
Between the hours of 11am and 2.30pm, the dedicated group of volunteers staffing the chip stand managed to raise a whopping $2,710.40. This money will be used for new projects at the Community Garden, and for regular expenses incurred in planting and maintaining the space.
One exciting new project that will be coming to the garden next year is a Butterfly Garden filled with native plants. The aim of this particular addition is to help educate the community about the importance of having these plants in our landscapes, and also to encourage pollinators into the Community Garden.
The Fries for Charity trailer and supplies for the event (potatoes, oil, etc.) were all donated thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, which means all funds raised during an event go directly to the cause they are supporting.
St Paul’s Community Garden would like to thank Al and Judy Graham and all of the Fries for Charity sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made this fundraiser possible. Many thanks are also extended to the community for making the event such a success.
So far this season, the St. Paul’s Community Garden has grown over 514lbs of produce for Community Food Share clients. Harvesting will continue into October, when the garden will be put to bed for the winter.
St Paul’s Community Garden is a partnership between the St Paul’s Presbyterian Church and Community Food Share. In 2021, approximately 25 volunteers helped regularly with planting, weeding, watering and harvesting the garden.
