Anyone interested in learning more about the garden can visit greengoldgarden . com or email gggarden @ ualberta . ca .
counselling , life skills coaching , gender and human rights education , health care education and support services , vocational training , and opportunities for sustainable income generation . To date , the Tubahumurize Association has helped more than a thousand women and their children .
The inspiration for the Green & Gold Garden came from Dr . Sarah Bowan , a professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta , and her spouse , Eduardo Parada , in 2008 . Sarah and Eduardo had a connection with Jeanne ’ s son , Eloge Butera , whom they met while living in Manitoba . After starting the garden , Sarah and Eduardo retired to Manitoba and Dr . Shirley Ross stepped in as field manager . Shirley was an inspiration for everyone who volunteered at the garden , helping grow the foundation until her untimely death in 2020 . We are now in our sixteenth year as we continue to thrive and evolve as a community .
Spending time at this entirely volunteer-run garden was a lifesaver to me throughout the pandemic and during my transition from teaching nursing at MacEwan University to retirement . In fact , many ARTA members volunteer at the garden . Being a garden volunteer gives me a place to connect to the land , grow food for a wonderful cause , and learn alongside other like-minded folks about sustainable gardening methods . Three generations of my family have volunteered at the garden , and it is pure bliss to spend time outdoors with my daughter and her partner and watch our two youngest grandchildren run free in this amazing outdoor space .
In April 2024 , we hosted about forty-five new volunteers at our orientation . As new volunteers travelled throughout the garden , experienced participants explained the five different areas — the front market , gardening methods , the tool shed , the orchard , and the hoop house . It was a jampacked ninety minutes ! Several people stayed behind , excited to learn more — many told me how refreshing it was that there are no expectations regarding knowledge , time commitments , and abilities . Folks come out when they can , stay as long as they like , and do as much as they are able . Some days , I have simply strolled through the garden with a small gaggle of children , chatting with other volunteers , picking the odd weed , and eating the delicious treats that volunteers often bring to share . A common refrain among volunteers is “ no guilt / no obligation at the Green & Gold .” And it works .
Our garden market opens in mid to late June , depending on growing conditions , and runs through the summer and fall , often
Photos by Margaret Milner
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