Calgary Horticultural Society at Telus Spark!

This spring the Telus Spark approached the Calgary Horticultural Society and asked if they would host a gardening display outside the science centre to complement their feature exhibition, Banquet. Banquet is about exploring the science and joy of food, and the Society knew they wanted to be a part of it.

Thanks to a Lloyd Sadd Action Grant, Calgary Horticultural Society was able to purchase new raised garden beds and welcoming self-watering containers, which they set up in Telus Spark’s outdoor courtyard, and planted with food crops. One garden was used to grow potatoes, onions, peas, tomatoes and peppers. Another was planted in a “three-sisters” style with corn, squash and beans.

The garden was used throughout Telus Spark’s summer programming, and in August, Liz McCraken, Specialist, Interpretive Science Connection, Telus Spark, reached out to the Society to ask if they could keep the planters into the fall!

“It has been super popular!” Liz said, “I’ve witnessed many people walking over to look at the planters and pointing out what’s in it to their children. While I water the plants, I take time to show guests what we’re growing and how the plants are changing as they grow. I specifically remember a 5-year-old knowing exactly what potato plants look like because they had some growing at home! The front of house team has also remarked that they’ve have a lot of interested guests asking about the planter and why we have it.”

To continue the project, Calgary Horticultural Society planted some new short-season crops, like lettuce, spinach and radish, to feature in the gardens as the temperature drops.

“We have been so pleased to be able to share these gardens and the plants with Telus Spark visitors and are thrilled for this collaboration opportunity,” said Deborah Maier, Executive Director of the Calgary Horticultural Society. “Not only could we showcase plants, but also different types of gardens and how you can grow food in containers that are suitable for smaller space.

“Thank you! We would not have been able to acquire the beds and containers or participate in Banquet without this funding…we are so grateful.”