About Us
An Oasis in the city
The Strathcona Garden Society is a not for profit charitable organization which was established in 1985 and registered under the Society Act of British Columbia in 1985. The Strathcona Garden Society is also registered as a Charity with the Canadian Charities Directorate.
The Strathcona Garden Society acknowledges that the gardens are located on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The Society has 2 distinct locations, Cottonwood Community Garden, whose formal, non mailing address, is 857 Malkin Ave, Vancouver, BC and Strathcona Community Garden, whose formal, non mailing address, is 759 Malkin Avenue, Vancouver BC. Each garden is located in a Vancouver City Park governed by the Parks Board of Vancouver.
The Society is governed by a Board of Directors whose members represent both gardens and consist of one President and one Vice-president or two Co-Presidents (one from each garden), a Secretary, a Co-treasurer (one from each garden) and 3 Members at large from each garden; the Board members are voted by the membership of each garden at the yearly AGM in April (refer to Section A.4).
While the Society maintains the same objectives and philosophical framework for both gardens, each garden has its own sets of policies and procedures.
Garden Features
Garden Plots
The garden has approximately 200 plots for members to grow organic food, herbs and flowers. Several raised beds are available for those with physical and/or mobility limitations.
Children’s Garden
A large plot has been allocated specifically for children and their families to grow food and flowers. 2 small sand boxes are also available for the children.
Espalier Area
The espalier area demonstrates the potential to grow a variety of fruit even in a limited space. Some of the apples seen here are heritage varieties dating back centuries.
Orchard
Together with the Espalier area, more than 30 types of fruit trees are grown in the garden, including apple, pear, plum, quince, fig, berries, persimmon, grapes and kiwis.
Mushroom Area
Different types of edible mushrooms are cultivated in logs in a shady part of the garden
Herb Garden
The herb garden, based on a Tibetan Buddhist Mandala design with “gates” in four directions, holds a variety of herbs, both culinary and medicinal herbs as well as roses on the perimeter of the area.
Buddha Pond
created many years ago by a gardener with the intent of providing a reflecting, meditative area.
Compost area
The garden has large compost bins to recycle weeds / garden debris from gardeners’ plot into usable soil / fertilizer for common areas
Eco-pavilion
Built in 1997 by young women learning trades on an EYA (Environmental Youth Alliance) job training program, provides space for meetings, workshops, and other educational and social events. The building was created using sustainable and reclaimed material and incorporates natural systems such as solar power, rainwater collection, grey water cleansing as well as a composting toilet. It has kitchen amenities with cold water available during the growing season.
Greenhouse
Built in 2010 through EYA, and shelf space is shared between the gardeners and EYA. Gardeners interested in growing their own plants from seeds must follow the greenhouse protocols as established by EYA. Specifically, Gardeners interested in growing their own plants from seeds must sign a Users Agreement with EYA and follow EYA’s policies to maintain good sanitation practices and comply with CFIA regulations for preventing the spread of the Japanese Beetle.
Storage sheds / Nursery
There are 2 secure storage sheds for supplies and other tools shared by the gardeners. EYA has sole use of the nursery to store native plants until ready for planting.
Bee Hive and Bee Shed
Built in 1995, the bee shed provides an onsite location to support bee habitat and harvest honey.
Wildlife habitat
The area, including a seasonal winter pond, features native trees and plants to help create a natural preserve for wildlife.
Pollinator beds
Beds are being created throughout the common areas of the garden to attract birds, bees and butterflies.
Guiding Commitments
Society
As members of the Strathcona Garden Society, we are invested in the long-term sustainability of the gardens. This means that we pay our annual membership dues and take part in communal work to beautify the common areas.
Garden
As a community garden, we provide space for area residents to grow their own organic food, herbs, and flowers. We educate gardeners and the community on organic gardening techniques, composting, and other ecological skills. In doing so, we maintain an urban oasis for all residents and visitors to enjoy.
Organic
We are committed to using organic gardening methods, and do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides in our gardens.
Community
The garden is located in the Strathcona neighbourhood. This neighbourhood has a unique history and characteristics. As gardeners, we are stewards of the land within the Strathcona neighbourhood and by extension we are proud to be part of this community.
“ Fellow gardeners and visitors are entitled to be in our gardens without experiencing harassment or discrimination. ”
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