It was during the dark months of winter that Louis Druehl showed up on many peoples’ doorsteps and at community meetings promoting his idea of a community garden.

“Why a garden?” I asked  when Louis eventually made it to the Bamfield Community School Association (BCSA) office.

Recently Louis and I sat and discussed the garden’s success over a cup of tea and, reflecting back on that question, he described what he feels, as Bamfielders, we collectively seek.

“It’s just a good idea, it’s the third place.  It has what people want but can’t get...sun and soil.”

“The other thing it has is sustainability. People talk about the 100 mile diet which is good, but it doesn’t reinvest. To have fresh produce does. So essentially the community garden achieves three things; it’s a gathering place, it provides an opportunity and there is a product. In short, it’s doable.”

Shortly after Louis began promoting the community garden concept, we became aware that funds from the School Community Connections program (Union of BC Municipalities and BC School Trustees Association) was again being made available to communities who had a project in mind that  linked the school with the community. One of the projects that they will specifically fund is a community garden. Working with  community volunteers, Bamfield Centennial Park where the garden is located and Bamfield Community School, BCSA submitted a successful proposal.

Ms. Cameron’s students  started plants in their classroom, then moved them into a bed at garden in the Park and another that was built with project funds at the school. The garden will become a valuable teaching tool for them. Currently, the garden is over-subscribed, but there should be some turn-over for next year. If you’re interested in having one of the garden plots, please contact Louis to have your name put on the list.

Thanks go out to Louis and his team of Hamish and Rae who did most of the physical work of constructing the 15 raised beds, and building the fence and potting/tool shed. Recently a bench was installed and the garden, being walled, is a warm place to be on a cool day, so please come visit the garden!               

 Heather Cooper

Updated January 17, 2011