The BSIA Global Climate Action Committee (GCAC) hosted its first garden harvest event in the CIGI Courtyard on Monday, July 11. Students, staff and faculty enjoyed free salads created from the produce growing in the new raised garden beds. These beds, which span more than 30ft, were built in the spring with support from the BSIA, the University of Waterloo Sustainability Action Fund, and the University of Waterloo Graduate Studies Endowment Fund (GSEF). We are also grateful to our partner CIGI, who permitted the use of space in the Courtyard, and our access to tools and water to sustain the garden.
The garden is growing a variety of vegetables and is thriving under the care of PhD student Burgess Langshaw Power, who leads the garden committee, along with student volunteers who are watering, weeding and trimming the plants regularly. The garden is growing several varieties of tomatoes and lettuce, as well as kale, beans, carrots, peppers, and cucumbers, and herbs including basil, mint and rosemary.
The BSIA community is encouraged to enjoy the fresh produce from the garden throughout the summer, especially as costs for vegetables and herbs are so high right now.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering with the garden committee is encouraged to contact Burgess via blangshawpower@balsillieschool.ca.