Oct 03, 2008 - 08:09 AM

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- Garlic, beets, kale, tomatoes, squash, lettuce and pumpkins are just some of the vegetables in Pickering's community garden this fall.

"It's been unbelievable," said the garden's co-ordinator, Carolyn Kasperski.

The Valley Plentiful Community Garden enjoyed a successful first year in its new location just north of Diana, Princess of Wales Park. It was located in the Petticoat Creek Conservation Area but issues such as flooding and vandalism became too much of a problem and the gardeners looked for a place to relocate for years.

"We had absolutely every type of vandalism that you could possibly have," Ms. Kasperski said, adding the only problem the new location has at the moment is a butternut squash thief.

After she shared the vandalism problems with Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley at a meeting on the Durham Region Food Charter, which outlines the benefits of local food, the councillor went right to work on trying to find the right place for the project, and found it in June.

"The City came and plowed it up on (June 13) and we planted it on (June 14)," Ms. Kasperski said as she was helping to ready the plots for more people who have decided to use the garden.

The garden only had eight gardeners this year, but a total of 27 will see the success of planting their own vegetables next year.

"You can learn about how to grow vegetables," Coun. Littley said. "It's fresh and there are no chemicals."

Ms. Kasperski, also a member of the Durham chapter of Canadian Organic Growers, said the gardeners had a problem with cucumber beetles last summer, but it was quickly resolved.

"On this scale, (using pesticides) just doesn't make any sense," she said.

Valley Plentiful is one of five community gardens in Durham and has attracted gardeners through word of mouth and by passersby simply stumbling upon the area.

"It's one of our last hidden secrets that no one knows we have," Coun. Littley said.

The Food Charter is in support of community gardens, which benefit local areas in a myriad of ways, such as: creating a secure food system for the community; helping to sustain the environment; and, improving health and fitness.

"It's about growing fresh and teaching kids where food comes from and having food close by," Ms. Kasperski said.

Heddi Gregor currently has a plot and was an original member of the old garden.

"It's growing plentiful," she said as she was helping dig the new plots. "I got more than I dreamt of."

It costs $20 for a four-by-30-foot plot and there are some vacant spaces available. The garden is also in need of fencing and a shed. Those interested in getting a plot or donating can call 905-420-9843 or e-mail valleyplentiful@gmail.com.