It's time to renew your garden box for the 2025 season! Renewals: If you're renewing your garden box, please check your email for instructions on how to proceed.
New Garden Boxes: Interested in a garden box for the upcoming season? Please email us to be added to our waitlist.
Garden box rentals are $35 per season.
A Silver Springs Community Association membership is required for all renters.
The Edible Garden began as an initiative of passionate Silver Springs residents. Planning for the project kicked off in November 2009, and after countless hours of planning, grant applications, construction, and planting, the garden was ready for its first harvest in 2010. One of the garden’s early goals was to create a Donation Box to grow produce for sharing with local organizations and charities.
In 2020, the Edible Garden was expanded to include a ‘Food Forest and Gathering Space’, enhancing the overall experience. Additional improvements included a garden shed with a ‘living roof’, a bike rack, and a ‘barking lot’ for dogs, making the garden a more enjoyable space for all. The ‘Living Roof’ became a notable feature, sparking interest from the community.
The number of garden boxes increased from 34 to 36, and a new ‘elevated garden box’ prototype was introduced. These boxes, raised 6 inches off the ground, prevent tree roots from encroaching. Due to their success, there are plans to replace some of the older raised boxes with elevated ones in the coming years.
Please note that the area inside the chain-link fence, which includes the perennial bed perimeter, is exclusive to garden box renters. Fruit, vegetables, and herbs in the Food Forest outside the fence are available for all community members to enjoy. The community is also encouraged to participate in the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of this shared space.
How is the Edible Garden Managed?
The ‘Head Gardener Group’ serves as the steering committee, making decisions about the garden’s operations. All interested gardeners are invited to participate. The group meets on an as-needed basis and stays in touch regularly via email. Volunteers in this group take on roles like chairperson, secretary, treasurer, communications, box steward, and newsletter editor, all while liaising with the Silver Springs Community Association (SSCA).
Who is Responsible for Maintenance?
Each garden box renter is responsible for maintaining their designated bed according to the guidelines in their rental contract. Failure to comply with the expectations may result in being denied a garden box for the following season.
Composting
Composting is a crucial part of the Edible Garden, ensuring soil health for future harvests. We use a three-stage composting system and incorporate permaculture principles. These practices focus on creating sustainable, productive environments that reduce maintenance work and energy consumption.
Education and Community Involvement
The Edible Garden supports education and community engagement. Local teachers and students, including those from the three Silver Springs elementary schools, regularly visit the garden for educational field trips. The SOKO after-school program also rents a garden box, where children learn about gardening, planting, and harvesting.
The Growing Connection ‘Garden Speaker Series’
In early spring, we offer a Garden Speaker Series consisting of four garden-related presentations, held monthly at the Silver Springs Community Center. A nominal fee is charged for each session. These talks are co-hosted by the Edible Garden and the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs. We welcome new ideas for topics and presenters!
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, feel free to contact us at silverspringsgarden@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
5720 Silver Ridge Drive NW
Calgary Alberta
T3B 5E5
Monday to Friday
8:30am to 3:30pm