A doctor in Shaughnessy grows salsify, Jerusalem artichokes, and a guerrilla squash that climbs from his compost bin and clambers over the garage roof. A Kitsilano roof garden rewards its owner with cucumbers, chard, arugula, basil, and heirloom tomatoes, all grown in containers. They're not hidden away at the back. And a front yard bursting with tomatoes is a topic ripe for conversation. Vancouver's food gardeners also get marks for environmental awareness.
All entrants practise composting and organic growing, and many have water-collection systems.
Conscious of the ongoing wheel of the seasons, all routinely save their own vegetable seeds for the following year. Well, we'd like to see it. Until August 18th, City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture will be accepting contest entries from food gardeners in the City of Vancouver. Judging will take place in early September and winners will be announced by Sunday, September 24th. What We're Looking For If you grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, or nuts in your front or back yard, on a rooftop, balcony or boulevard, you qualify for our food garden contest.