Demonstration Gardens

SPEC maintains two demonstration gardens as part of its Food Campaign.  We are always updating our Gardens Blog with what's happening at both our gardens so be sure to check it out. 

The YWCA Rooftop Garden

After losing our space on Maple Street, SPEC moved its planters and horticultural energy to downtown Vancouver to join forces with the YWCA Rooftop Garden at 535 Hornby Street. 

Once an ornamental garden, the YWCA rooftop was converted into an intensive production urban farm in 2006 with the help of Facilities Manager Ted Cathart and a team of dedicated volunteers.  All produce harvested from the garden is donated to local women's lunch programs and shelters.

Proof that you can grow literally anything in containers, the YWCA rooftop garden features creatively designed beds that hold kiwis, blueberries, raspberry bushes, fruit trees, and a constantly rotating roster of lush seasonal vegetables.  In 2010, over 700kg of produce was donated struggling women and their families. With careful management and innovative horticultural techniques, the harvest is increasing each year.

The garden is an important part of the SPEC Food Campaign's plans for the coming year.  It will serve as a dynamic living classroom for the SPEC Urban Agriculture Field School due to launch in March 2012.  Students of the field school will gain experience by helping to expand the rooftop garden program and coordinate the weekly produce donations. 

Come by and see us!  The garden is open to the public during YWCA business hours, and volunteers are welcome on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  To get involved, contact Mik Turje at mik@spec.bc.ca.

Cambie Square Communal Garden

The Cambie Square Communal Garden is a communally-run demonstration garden, located across from City Hall whose volunteers have a keen interest in food, gardening, biodiversity, and sustainable systems. Using techniques such as companion planting, vertical gardening, and square foot gardening, we partner with the City Hall Childcare Society, engaging children in garden care.

During the season, we meet together Sunday mornings - come join other like-minded people and grow good food together!

Read the latest on what's happening in the garden on SPEC's Gardens Blog.

We are currently seeking gardeners (experienced or not) for our fourth season to help plan, plant, and harvest the garden.

To get involved contact Vicky Baker at bakervicky@shaw.ca 

Here's the garden from a bird's eye view. You can see the boxes on the West side of the big square of lawn.

You can also submit a general volunteer application and receive regular email updates on all our volunteer opportunities.

Looking For Other Ways To Get Your Hands Dirty?

• Download our Community Gardening Factsheet and find out how you can get involved with a community garden near you.

• Want to start your own community garden?  Consult our Growing Gardens Manual - A Resource on How to Start Your Own Community Garden (PDF, 3 MB).