Spring is finally in the air. On that note, there are no doubt some green thumbs out there anxious to start digging in the dirt. But what if you don’t have any dirt to dig in? Options include teaming up with your local guerilla gardening brigade, volunteering at a community garden, putting you name on a waiting list for an allotment garden or, if you are a proud owner of a balcony, growing food and flowers on your high-rise deck.
Many people don’t know it, but there are more high-rise apartment and condo towers in Toronto than any other municipality in North America aside from New York. Considering we’re a world leader in this regard, balcony gardening is not a bad idea for a good number of residents who would like a bit more green in their life. And if a significant chunk of people start greening their decks, it’ll be good for the environment too. All those extra plants could help reduce the urban heat island effect, absorb rainwater (especially if extra rainwater were “harvested” from the sky) and expand local food production.
This summer a project called Toronto Balconies Bloom (TBB) is working to promote balcony gardening and help newbie and experienced gardeners alike grow successful gardens from first to, say, the 75th floor of their building. The project will include demonstration projects, high-rise gardening collectives, information forums and a website full of resources. In 2009, there will also be a balcony garden competition. Organizers hope that the additional greenery will help beautify the facades of Toronto’s otherwise staid residential towers.
TBB’s website is still under construction. For more information here’s a link to Councillor Joe Mihevc’s latest newsletter, which provides an overview of the project including contact info for those interested in getting involved.