For decades now Galiano residents have relied on regular transportation of food if not by our own steam than one of the storeowners here. But like most other places in North America both urban and rural there has been an awakening to the prospect of rekindling our agri CULTURE. It’s not just that we are preparing for the oil situation to force us in to local production; it’s much richer than that…. It seems to me that humans actually not only enjoy watching the fruits of our labour, but that we like to do it in a group !

The willingness of the growers in the community to put time in to teaching us how to lay irrigation, pick seed and sites as well as understanding harvesting techniques saves us the overwhelming heartbreak of failed crops. This sharing is going on all over the island and I hear of fresh approaches every week. As well, working in a group or in partnerships allows us to come and go a bit depending on work and other responsibilities. The comraderie in the field has been a real delight and I don’t think I’ve laughed as hard at my own misconceptions and mistakes ever. There is truly a gentle generosity in what has been happening between growers of all stripes here. One of the new parents on the island announced the other day that they chose Galiano over another home because of the fact that we have a greenhouse and garden at the school. Whoa !

The harvest is coming fast in these last weeks of October and already innovative ideas are flowing about various partnerships and commitments to each other towards health and community for the new year’s crops. It is wonderful to connect on such an important but uncomplicated issue as FOOD. Admittedly, I am looking forward to the brief pause in growing that we have here on the west coast and dreaming of the seed catalogues and inspiring plans that Galianoites always come up with. Until then, don’t hesitate to join us picking and processing the end of the season’s bounty. Just email or phone Alison or me. Always a pleasure …..