In the serene setting of Feaster Park, Erin Maguire overlooks the raised beds, basking in the sunshine as trees sway gently in the breeze.
The latest addition to New Brunswick’s array of community gardens, Feaster Park’s beds lay mostly idle during a recent afternoon visit, their soil parched – a common sight as the growing season traditionally kicks off around Mother’s Day.
Yet amidst the dormancy, one plot stood out, where diligent gardeners had carefully arranged rows of budding bush beans. Despite their modest height, these plants boasted lush foliage, reaching eagerly towards the sky.
For enthusiasts like Maguire, the eight community gardens and two school gardens in New Brunswick provide a precious opportunity to nurture greenery and connect with the earth.
“In urban areas like New Brunswick, renters often lack access to space for gardening or natural surroundings,” explains Maguire, a member of the city’s Parks and Gardens Commission, which supports these communal green spaces. “They may only have room for a few pots outside their homes.”
But there’s hope for those yearning to cultivate sunflowers, tomatoes, and other delights of the soil. Openings still exist at community gardens like Holy Family Parish on Throop Avenue, Feaster Park, and Jim Landers Community Garden on Suydam St.
The benefits of gardening are well-documented. Many find solace in the therapeutic act of nurturing seedlings and tending to blooms, while others relish the physical exertion of soil tilling and weeding. And let’s not forget the nutritional bounty that accompanies harvesting cucumbers, chilies, and potatoes from one’s own plot.
Maguire emphasizes the social dimension of communal gardening, highlighting the opportunity to connect with neighbors and learn from seasoned gardeners.
“Gardening with others fosters conversations and knowledge-sharing,” she notes. “It’s a chance to exchange ideas and tips.”
Maguire’s own journey into gardening began in her youth, experimenting with potato cultivation using unconventional methods like a laundry basket. Over time, she developed a passion for nurturing sunflowers, zinnias, and wildflowers, preserving her harvest through pickling. Her dedication led her to formal training, culminating in a Middlesex County Master Gardener certificate.
“For me, it wasn’t just about learning from textbooks,” she reflects. “It was about forming bonds with fellow gardeners. Gardening unites people in a unique way, drawing together like-minded individuals.”
In a bustling cityscape, these community gardens serve not only as havens for plant life but also as fertile ground for cultivating friendships and shared experiences.