SASKATOON — Growing some spuds on the median could become more commonplace in Saskatoon this gardening season.
The city is launching a pilot program for gardening on centre medians to provide additional access for residents to garden in public spaces. Centre medians are paved, planted, or landscaped strips in the centre of a road that separate lanes of traffic.
Engagement surveys have indicated there is a demand for this kind of public space gardening from many who live in multi-unit buildings like apartments, where a yard is not available.
“Adding these kinds of small, community-supported green spaces helps to create more habitat for pollinators like bees, assist in managing storm water and can create community as neighbours or friends collaborate on creating and maintaining these gardens” says Director of Sustainability Jeanna South.
“We have worked across several departments including parks, transportation, and bylaw compliance to ensure safety for gardeners and drivers, with guidelines specifying plant height and other important details.”
With this pilot, Saskatoon joins Vancouver in providing gardening opportunities in interesting places for residents with green thumbs.
“It will be exciting to see what types of median garden plans our community members are inspired to create. We hope to see a number of applications, and people can get started as soon as spring weather permits,” says South.
“We have created a native plant guide to help identify plants that fit within the height restrictions and have low maintenance water requirements.”
Details about the Boulevard Gardening Program and Centre Median Pilot, including guidelines and application forms, are available on the City’s website at Saskatoon.ca/boulevardgardens.
Additional resources for gardening can be found at Saskaton.ca/healthyyards.
