These apple trees are just about ready to leave their pots and join the landscape at the Dyment Recreation Hall. They’re the start of our long-term community orchard.
Apple trees ready to join community garden program
It’s been a busy winter inside the Dyment Recreation Hall. Between getting the new arts space ready and keeping up with our weekly workshops, the place has been a hive of activity. Our very first exhibition in the newly renovated space is only about a month away, and we’re finally seeing all that indoor work come together.
But there’s a whole other side to this project that’s about to head outdoors. These apple trees we’ve been tending are nearly ready to be transplanted into the park space. We like to think of it as a different kind of art—designing a landscape that’s beautiful to look at but also puts food on the table. It’s a long game, for sure, but these trees are as much a part of our exhibition as anything hanging on the walls.
This isn’t something we just started on a whim. This year’s garden is the result of several years of pilot programs. We’ve had some incredible support along the way from Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, along with our partners at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Art Borups Corners and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Their help during those early stages is what’s allowing us to go big this year.
We’re especially excited about the expansion of our summer program. We’re putting in new garden beds that will directly support our recreation programs, community cooking, and food security work. It’s all about making sure the Hall is a place where people can learn, create, and eat well.
We’re adding benches and outdoor exhibits to the park so it’s a spot where the community can actually hang out. The snow is finally starting to disappear, and we can’t wait to get started.
If you want to learn more or find out how you can get involved, contact us today. We’d love to have you be part of it!
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