The Regent Park neighbourhood near downtown Toronto is undergoing a revitalization to change what was once a social housing development into a self-sufficient mixed-income and multi-use community. As one part of this revitalization process, The Growing Connection partnered with the Regent Park Community Food Centre and Daniel’s Corporation in developing popup gardens in public spaces to showcase sustainable food production even in challenging growing environments.
The first garden was located on Regent Park Boulevard, aka The Mews, and featured three sets of gardens in colourful stands of various heights. This created a colourful and creative display that served to help welcome new residents and businesses into the buildings across the street. A local team of volunteers led by the Regent Park Community Food Centre took care of tending to the plants, and the harvested produce went to the local community kitchen and meal program.
The second garden was located at the Regent Park Community Food Center and served to compliment their existing raised bed gardens. The planters were placed along the ground and in stands along the fence. Being portable and adaptable to a range of spaces, the garden was a great way to showcase container vegetable gardening in a concrete garden area.
A final popup garden located in the big park between the first two gardens, adjacent to an in-ground community garden plot. This garden featured primarily herbs and edible flowers to bring colour and attract pollinators.
Read more about our other case studies featuring unique and inspiring gardens.
