COMMUNITY GARDENS

Did you know that there are 25 community gardens in Ottawa, with the largest of these boasting 355 plots? On top of this, the Ottawa chapter of Canadian Organic Growers operates a number of school teaching gardens throughout the city. Go to www.justfood.ca/community-gardening-network/gardensto find one in your neighbourhood.
8 URBAN FARMING
Visiting farmers' markets in town gives a glimpse of what's being grown on the fringes of the city. However, many resourceful individuals are turning vegetable growing into an urban business. Consider Jesse Payne's brainchild, Vegetable Patch, where he encourages homeowners to donate a portion of their garden so he and his team of volunteers can grow organic and seasonal produce which is then sold (and donated) to customers throughout the city core. Visit them at www.vegetablepatch.cato sign up.
9 RECLAIMING UNWANTED LAND FOR ORNAMENTAL GARDENS
Amid shrinking government coffers and few willing to take up their cause, gardens in public spaces are often left to languish. But there are signs that this is shifting. With the help of passionate advocates and funded with the help of a business plan that promised profitability, New York's impressive new promenade, called the High Line, opened in 2009 (and is being extended in 2011) on an abandoned railroad platform 30 feet above the streets in west Manhattan. Read about its history and be inspired at www.thehighline.org.
10 GREEN/LIVING ROOFS AND WALLS
Green roof technology has actually been around in Canada for many years, but it has only recently been catching on for residential applications. There are certain important considerations (i. e. roof pitch, load-bearing capacity, and maintenance provisions) but there are many energy, ecological and beautifying benefits. An indoor green wall was recently unveiled at Minto Place in downtown Ottawa and there is an outdoor living wall at the Vancouver airport.
11 CREATING AND MANAGING BACKYARD ECOSYSTEMS
We are increasingly resisting sanitizing our gardens. The result is that the vibrant cycle of life encompassing good and bad bugs, disease, visiting creatures and unpredictable weather is teaching us valuable lessons about backyard ecology and life.