Gardeners were busy breaking ground at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre ahead of a new growing season.
The community gardens at Ignatius Farm provide gardeners of all skill levels a place to grow and cultivate their own vegetables, perennials and more. On Sunday morning many gardeners were out tending to their plots, which range from 100 square feet to 1,000 square feet.
During the pandemic, many people became interested in gardening leading to shortages or gardening supplies and seeds. The effects were even felt at Ignatius where rental plots were snatched up by February.
Maria Sergio, a long-time gardener at Ignatius and cook at Loyola House, has a perennial garden which she plans to grow flax to use its fibre to create yarn.
She explains gardening gave her something to focus on during the pandemic. She applied for a plot with Ignatius last year and was approved.
"Everything got shut down, I lost my job, my kids weren't in school...it was the only thing I could do," said Sergio.
This year, Ignatius expanded their community garden by opening a new area of 500 square foot plots for residents and increased water access. One of the gardeners renting a plot in this area is Lori Gamble.
"I like the view of this one," said Gamble, a Guelph resident and 15-year gardener, about her plot.
For Gamble, gardening is a chance to get fresh air, exercise and improve her mental health. She and other interested gardeners at Ignatius plan to donate any additional produce they grow to North End Community Group which will be distributed through their North End Harvest Market.
"It gives you hope, the opportunity for growth," she said about gardening, "It's marvellous."
Another resident and five year gardener, Eugene Kusinski, was happy to be back at Ignatius farms after quarantining for a month following his son's return from Europe.
"After that we were going a little stir crazy," he said.
With too many trees in his backyard to set up a garden, Kusinski explains gardening near the green fields is something different.
"To get out here, to get away from that, get the body moving, get the mind working."
If anyone is looking to get into gardening, Kusinski suggests to have low expectations, have fun and take your time.
"Go in for the enjoyment," he said.
