Correspondence regarding Garden Plots from Paula Mueller
An email from a community garden user expressing the importance of gardens for seniors' financial security and mental health during the pandemic.
Garden Plots
From: Paula Mueller
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 10:34 AM
To: Jennifer Smith JSmith@viewroyal.ca
Cc: mayorandcouncil@wviewroyal.ca
Subject: Garden Plots
Hi Jennifer,
I am forwarding this email to the council in hopes that it could be an agenda item at the next council meeting. This email is in regards to the closure of the rental garden plots due to Covid 19 virus.
I am writing this for myself as well as for Lynn Freeman whom also has a plot. We both understand everyone’s concern to self isolate and self distance ourselves from everyone, and we have been doing our part very diligently. I am happy with the fact that our cities and townships have been proactive in closing parks where so many congregate and I even understand “why” the gardens were a part of this decision as it is in the park area.
However, in the 2 years that I have had my plot, I rarely have seen anyone there at the same time. The plots are well spaced, that even if another person is there, it is very easy to self distance.
There are many seniors (including myself) that rely on their gardens to help them out financially with growing their own vegetables. This in turn, helps to avoid going to the big box stores for these items, making it a safer environment for many. It is also a means to get outside to enjoy the coming months, again in a very safe area. Many of us started to self isolate at the onset and are finding we need a place to go just for some sanity!
The only potential area of concern (where people touch) is of course the hoses (and taps) plus the garden shed. Perhaps there is a way that alcohol wipes/spray bottle of alcohol could be present at the hoses and at the entrance to the shed. Gloves could also be made mandatory if necessary. IF this could be done, the gardens could then be opened to those of us that would like to continue to use the gardens. I am sure if all of us were contacted with this, that many of us would be more then happy to bring our own spray and use it before and after use of the shed and hoses. If anyone that didn’t do there due diligence, and we made sure that we sterilized the hose etc before use, we would still be safe from the virus.
I hope you will take this into consideration and I look forward to hearing from you in regards to this matter.
In any case, keep practising self distancing and stay safe.
Paula Mueller