How community gardens are helping newcomers put down roots
There is something transformative and rewarding about planting a garden, nurturing it and then harvesting fresh vegetables for your family. A trio of community gardens in Halifax have become much more than a source of fresh produce for newcomers as they transition to calling Nova Scotia home.
Each year, the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) helps thousands of people find a place to live, learn a language, prepare for school, start a business and secure employment. ISANS community gardens are one of an array of services helping families develop a sense of belonging.
Inclusion is key
Growing plants and vegetables helps immigrants and refugees maintain a healthy and affordable diet, have a place to gather outside and enjoy foods they consider as staples, but may have a hard time finding fresh in Nova Scotia.
That latter concern was the impetus for the gardens, according to Heather Asbil, coordinator of Growing Strong Neighborhoods, the name of the gardens project. “We were hearing from newcomers, ‘We are agricultural people. Where can we grow food? Where can we plant some of what we’re used to?’”
While Nova Scotians may associate the gardens with the newcomer community, long-time Haligonians are welcome to apply. “These gardens are for everyone, including locals.” said Heather. “We want them to be where people help feed their families, while allowing newcomers and long-term residents to interact, learn from one another and feel less like strangers.”
Growing connections
Relocating to a new country is an overwhelming experience, especially for refugees who have been forced from their homes, often due to political strife or upheaval. Making people feel safe and welcome is a priority for ISANS.
“We do collective workdays. We ask each family to send a representative. We clean the sites. It gets everyone moving together. It’s multigenerational; families working towards a common goal.”
Food is a community builder. It’s one of the most connective, restorative and inspiring aspects of life. The benefits of these gardens go way deeper than what appears on the soil’s surface.
Breaking down barriers
Sharing the land leads to an appreciation about different cultures and some of the challenges others have faced. The gardens help foster understanding and empathy.
“These are spaces where people meet in an organic way. Dog owners walk through and have conversations with the gardeners. People do this without a common language because they are face-to-face and looking at a plant or vegetable. They learn in a different way from going to a workshop or class,” said Heather, who added, “more than a dozen countries” are represented in the gardens.
Those nations include Bhutan, Somalia, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Canada, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.
Family focus
Mohamad Aljaber is a Syrian immigrant who enjoys the many benefits the gardens offer, especially educational opportunities for children. Mohamad and his family emigrated to Nova Scotia in 2016.
“I like growing vegetables and grass (salad greens and herbs). We love to plant and eat, and the garden helps us learn about other cultures, form relationships and friendships with new people and teach children about plants and [the] benefit[s] from them.”
The gardens instill a sense of pride for newcomers like Mohamad, by showcasing individual competency and skill demonstration. The layers of what’s happening in each plot are rich and complex - like the land. “The benefits are huge in terms of people’s sense of self and acceptance,” Heather said.
Anyone who lives in the Clayton Park, Fairview or Mumford areas of Halifax where the trio of gardens are located can apply to have a garden plot. There is a wait list. The three gardens vary in size from 25 to seven plots. Each plot measures four-by-six feet and is currently being shared by two families. Heather said as people relocate, ISANS is working towards offering a full plot per household.