Ignatius Jesuit Centre is home to the largest community garden in the region and hosts hundreds of gardeners every year. This year is no exception: the gardens are thriving, with vegetables in full swing and some already ready for harvest.
Sustainable food systems have long been a focus at Ignatius Farm, and the Community Gardens are a living example of that vision in action. By sharing space to grow food locally and regeneratively, gardeners not only cultivate healthy crops but also build a network of mutual support. They trade tips, swap seeds, lend tools, and encourage each other through the growing season. Many plots are shared between friends or families, reinforcing that this is about more than just food, it’s about community.
Ignatius Farm plays a key role in making this possible. Staff and volunteers help steward the land and support growers by delivering compost and mulch, running water lines across the garden fields, and maintaining shared resources that gardeners can access when needed. This kind of behind-the-scenes support helps ensure that everyone, from first-time gardeners to long-time pros, have what they need to succeed. It also creates space for connection and learning that doesn’t always happen when gardening alone in your backyard.
When we talk with folks growing food here, they often speak about how much they value doing this work together. Even those who have gardens at home love coming to IJC, drawing inspiration from neighbouring plots and the friendships that develop gardening side by side. It’s not uncommon to see small tables and chairs tucked between beds of tomatoes and lettuce: a sign that friends often pause, connect, and enjoy the view together. These gathering spots are more than just convenient seating; they’re reminders that relationship-building is as important to a thriving community garden as sun and water.
As the season continues, we’re reminded that the Community Gardens aren’t just about what we grow but about how we grow it: with support, intention, and community.
If you’re interested in checking out the Community Gardens for a tour, IJC is hosting a Community Garden Show & Share on Sunday August 17 at 2:30pm as the monthly Cedar Circle Sunday Afternoon gathering.
There’s no need to register, just come and meet by the Farm Workshop. We’ll tour some gardens together, hearing from gardeners about how their crops are doing this year, learning tips and tricks from seasoned experts, and sharing in conversation about growing food in community.
