Design and Process 

The Naramata Permaculture Farm Garden is a community garden and public space in Naramata, British Colombia. The garden is located on the grounds of the local nonprofit organization Naramata Centre. Established in 2019, the garden is a community space to observe and learn from nature, grow healthy food and provide habitat for birds and other species. In addition to extensive vegetable gardens, the greenspace features grasslands and a food forest with native trees and shrubs. 

Co-founders Catalina Polloni and Tomas Oyarzun are the main stewards of the garden. The two have professional experience in a range of fields including permaculture, design and ecotourism, and are committed to offering a place for people to enjoy Nature and learn how to co-create healthy ecosystems that provide food and social connections. The garden adheres to the principles of minimal waste. Much of the materials used in the garden are reclaimed, repurposed and reused. To conserve water, a dripline irrigation system is used to support irrigation needs of the various garden areas.

Community Collaboration

Through outreach with local companies, the gardeners source wood chips from local arborists and other materials such as cardboard from local businesses.  A 3 bay compost system is open to the neighbouring community to donate foodscapes to turn into compost. Compost and mulching materials are used on garden beds to feed microorganisms and help retain moisture. Currently, there are 20 volunteers who are involved to varying degrees in the care of the garden and collaborate to plan the future of the garden. 

Volunteers and visitors are encouraged to observe and learn from the ecological systems within the local area, and to appreciate the value of native plants and pollinators. 

Various events are held throughout the year to encourage visitors to the garden and support the social network that keeps the space active. Activities such as art exhibitions, plant sharing, and harvest events are open to the public. By next summer, they will have educational signs in the garden to provide a self-guided experience for visitors. The garden also participates in the Butterfly Way project of the David Suzuki Foundation, which creates networking opportunities with other initiatives growing pollinator gardens. 

SOUL is pleased to recognize the Naramata Permaculture Farm Garden as a Greener Greenspace is 2021 and 2022. 

Visit their Facebook page for more information.