Huntingdon Manor Hotel and James Bay Neighborhood Association Team Up to Create Local Community Garden

Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, our community has been facing unprecedented times, with many of its members finding themselves in difficult situations and with uncertain futures. As a direct response to the pandemic and to support our community, the Huntingdon Manor Hotel, in partnership with the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, is providing free gardening space to support the growth of a community food garden.  This initiative benefits local James Bay residents that have been directly affected by the pandemic such as seniors, low-income families or laid-off workers. 

The community garden is located on the grounds of Huntingdon Manor Hotel, adjacent to its sister property, the Pendray Inn and Tea House. Twelve garden plots have been offered to local James Bay residents. Each plot was equipped with a food garden kit, generously donated by Victoria’s Food Eco District and #MyFEDFARM, an initiative that supports the growth of urban food gardens.  Additional support and donations were offered by Discovery Coffee and the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR), which allowed us to offer these lots at not costs to the residents.

During the challenging times, this initiative symbolizes a place of hope, kindness and unity, moving towards a better, more positive future. Hence, we found it very fitting to name the community garden, “The Dr. Bonnie Henry Commemorative Garden” in recognition of Dr. Henry’s mantra “Be Kind, Be Calm, and Be Safe”, and her continuous source of comfort, reassurance, and inspiration as we continue to fight the pandemic.  ​

Dr. Bonnie Henry Commemorative Community Garden Photo Gallery

Rules and Etiquette

What can be grown

• The main purpose of these allotments is to grow food; however some flowers to attract pollinators and provide cheer are welcome.
• Because this allotment is, at present, a one-year experiment, please plant only annual or biennial plants that will be harvested before April 30, 2021. 
• Since this is a shared space, please do NOT plant any plants which are poisonous, have dangerously irritating sap, or have long spikes or thorns.
  
• Please do NOT plant any plants which are on the invasive species list for our area.
  
• Since this garden is, at this point, a one-year experiment, please do not plant perennial plants, cane fruit, or shrubs, except for small perennial herb plants which can be moved easily at the end of a year.
  
• The Garden Coordinator has the right to ask any plot holder to remove a plant for the above reasons within a reasonable length of time, and, if it is not removed by the deadline given, to remove it. 
  

access to and use of the allotment

​Please bear in mind that these allotments are on private property and the grounds of a working hotel, with guests housed in rooms overlooking the allotment.

• Plot holders can normally access the allotments between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm​.
  
• From time to time, Huntingdon Manor may need to alter access hours, due to work being done on adjoining parts of the hotel or grounds, or due to booking of the entire hotel grounds for special events. Plot holders will be given as much notice as possible of these temporary changes to the normal access hours and they will be posted on this website.
  
• Please visit the allotment only to tend your plot; do not use the space for picnics, sunbathing, etc
  
• Please dress appropriately for visiting a family-friendly hotel, e.g. wear a shirt
  
• Please limit the size of the group visiting your allotment to no more than two adults and two children at any one time
  
• Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
  
• Please try to keep noise to a minimum: no radios, musical instruments, etc.
  
• The grounds of Huntingdon Manor are a designated no-smoking and no-vaping area, including the parking lots.
  
• Please refrain from consuming alcohol on the grounds.
  
• The parking lot is for hotel guests only; if you do arrive in a car, please park on the street.
  
• Huntingdon Manor reserves the right to terminate the plot holder agreement and refuse access to the grounds for any plot holder who repeatedly or severely violates terms of access and use.

Responsibilities of the plot holder

Plot holders are responsible for:

• Ensuring the your plants are watered and looked after. If you are plan to be away or are ill, please arrange for another plot holder to water your plot or contact the Garden Coordinator for help.  
  
• If you wish to have someone who is not a plot holder care for your plot for a period, you must notify the garden coordinator, provide that person’s name and contact information, and ensure that they understand the terms of this agreement.
  
• Ensuring that the allotments are tended according to generally accepted organic principles. You may NOT use any pesticides or herbicides that have not been approved for use in organic gardens in British Columbia. 
  
• Ensuring that their plants do not extend beyond the area of the pallet into the paths
  
• Before leaving the allotment, making sure all garbage and green waste have been disposed of properly, litter has been picked up, the water is turned off, and the hose is properly stored.
  
• Dealing with other plot holders, the garden coordinator, and hotel guests, staff, and contractors in a civil manner. 
  
• Allowing priority access to Huntingdon Manor’s contracted lawn service, who will keep the paths and other grass in the area mowed, and the Huntingdon Manor gardener, who will tend to the hedge and shrubs at the allotment site. 

covid-19 safety measures

•  Plot holders are expected to abide by current COVID-19 safety measures as laid out by public health authorities. Current information will be kept posted on the website and in the shed.  Please remember that your fellow gardeners may include persons who are at risk or have at-risk family members. Make sure that your neighbours are comfortable with your level of precautions; it may be necessary to do more than the minimum. Current minimum requirements:
  • Stay at least 2 m apart
    
  • Wash your hands before coming to the garden or when you arrive
    
  • Do NOT come to the garden yourself or bring anyone else who is showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness. Contact a neighbouring plot holder or the garden coordinator and we will make sure your plot gets watered.
    
  • Clean and disinfect the shared hose nozzle, tap, and the shed door before and after use. 

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

Location

The Huntingdon Manor Hotel will offer the use of its side garden, located adjacent to the Pendray Inn and Tea House, on the corner of Quebec and Pendray Street. The location has plenty of sunlight, and is easily accessible.