Vegetables planted by the tenants of a Group Home Society residents in custom-built raised garden boxes are growing well, and they will have lots to harvest come August and September. The garden boxes were built and planted with the assistance of the residents and the owners of the home as a way to provide a home-grown project for the tenants.
The residence at 230 Water Street was bought in 2008 by DLHL investments, where the tenants are associated with the Weyburn Group Home Society.
“Since last March we have become concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our tenants, due to some tenants having a reduction of hours and activity closures leaving them with little to do,” said Dan Godard, one of the owners.
His brother, Mike Godard, who is responsible for maintenance of the building, had the idea to build five large vegetable gardens at the property which will be accessible to all of the tenants. He approached Dan with this idea as the owner of the building, and they jumped on it immediately.
“We approached several organizations in Weyburn to ask for their support through donations of lumber, dirt and other items necessary to bring this idea to life. We were overwhelmed with their immediate and generous response, confirming their support for this project. Many other local organizations have shown their support as well, which highlights the tremendous support the City of Weyburn shows for tenants involved with the Group Home Society,” said Dan.
Construction on the garden boxes began on the weekend of May 14th, when Dan and Mike worked with some of the tenants to construct the boxes. After initial construction, vegetables were planted over the May long weekend by the tenants and their supervisors.
Since that time, the staff of Weyburn Group Home Society has worked with the tenants to help them maintain the gardens through weeding and watering the vegetables.
“This project will create several avenues for the tenants and the Group Home to develop skills. Food prices are continually climbing, and these gardens will provide the tenants with a way to access cheaper and healthier food options. In addition, tenants will be able to sell the vegetables from the garden for extra income,” noted Dan.
Materials for the garden boxes and the seeds were provided by a number of local businesses, including Triple L Skidsteer, Prairie Sky Co-op Lumber Yard, Swayze Concrete, Peavey Mart, Home Hardware and Mike’s Garden Veranda.
The Godards also thanked the residents of Weyburn for their continued support.
“We believe this project will be successful for the tenants of 230 Water Street,” said Dan.
