- 403-288-2616
- administration@silverspringscommunity.ca
- Mon - Thur: 8:30-3:30, Fri: 8:30-12
What started with a handful of enthusiastic volunteers has grown into one of Silver Spring’s most beloved gathering spaces. The Edible Gardens is a pesticide-free garden that offers residents a chance to grow their own produce, share in a thriving food forest, and connect with the people who call Silver Springs home.
Rooted in community since 2009.
Born from the efforts of a small group of passionate neighbours, the Silver Springs Community Edible Garden planted its first seeds in November 2009 — and by 2010, we were already harvesting the rewards.
In 2020, the garden took a major leap forward with the addition of a Food Forest, a Gathering Space, a garden shed with a living roof, a bike rack, and a “barking lot” for four-legged visitors. The living roof quickly became a community favourite.
That same year, we expanded from 34 to 36 garden boxes and introduced an elevated box prototype — raised 6 inches off the ground to keep tree roots at bay. The design proved so successful that all boxes were upgraded by 2024.
Today, the garden remains a vibrant, thriving space in the heart of Silver Springs — and there’s always room for more community members to be part of it.
Garden box renters cultivate their own designated raised beds, while the Food Forest and Gathering Space outside the fence are open to the whole community to tend to and harvest. We simply ask that everyone leave enough for others to enjoy.
The area inside the chain-link fence, including the perennial bed perimeter, is reserved exclusively for box renters.
Our garden is proudly pesticide and herbicide-free. No chemicals are permitted anywhere on the grounds. We believe in responsible stewardship of our land, water, air, and biodiversity — and in sharing that knowledge across all ages through hands-on gardening education.
The ‘Head Gardeners Group’ serves as the steering committee, making decisions about the garden’s operations. All interested gardeners are invited to participate. The group meets ‘as-needed’ and communicates meetings via email.
Volunteers, who include garden box renters, take on roles as Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications, Box Steward, and Newsletter Editor, while liaising with the Silver Springs Community Association (SSCA).
Each garden box renter is responsible for maintaining their designated bed according to the guidelines in their rental contract.
This includes mandatory participation in at least four maintenance sessions per season, plus spring cleanup and fall cleanup.
Box renters can always participate in as many maintenance sessions as they desire.
The garden is a living classroom for all ages. Local teachers and students — including those from Silver Springs’ three elementary schools — are welcome to arrange educational field trips with us.
The SOKO after-school program, local Scouts, Cubs and Beavers groups all have a presence in the garden, with their own dedicated boxes and planting areas. The produce grown is offered to the community to pick and enjoy. Experienced garden members love passing on their knowledge to these young growers.
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned one, there’s always something new to learn. Throughout the season, we host pop-up hands-on workshops, open to both box renters and the community.
For general inquiries, or to add your name to the garden box waitlist, please email us!
Garden box rentals are $35 per season.
A Silver Springs Community Association membership is required for all renters.
