Douglas Park wakes up their Living Library just in time for Spring

March 20, 2018

Spring time is here, and that means it’s time to wake up the garden.

Some months ago, the Living Library at Douglas Park Community Elementary was put to bed under a blanket of fallen leaves. There they would sleep safely until the spring. On March 16, four days before the first day of spring, Lorraine Goulet’s kindergarten class spent time in the garden removing the leaves and tidying up.

Community helpers also contributed in coordinating the children in the cleaning of the garden, making sure weeds were pulled effectively, and ensuring some plants were left unharmed!

This year, Goulet plans to grow wild strawberries, which should be ready for harvest (and eating) by June. As well, the kids will be growing potatoes out of large pots in their classrooms before moving them out into the garden.

In addition to this, there is a plot ready for growing a three sisters companion plant arrangement. This involves growing a stalk of corn, beans (which climb the corn stalk), and squash (which protects the ground below). The three sisters companion growing technique is one of the oldest known agriculture techniques. The three plants growing together also keep the soil very fertile.

The Living Library was awarded several grants last year to support the growth and education around species of plants specific to the west coast region. The plants are chosen based on their significance to First Nation’s medicine and uses. Already plants such as the kinnikinnick (bearberry) are being grown, though are still in their fledgling years.

In the near future, the garden will include a focus on sacred water, including a water activity station for kids, and a mural that will be painted on one wall with contributions from LSS.