PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Canoe Meadows community garden spaces are now open to rent through Mass Audubon for organic gardening.

 

Every spring, Mass Audubon rents space in its organic gardens to members at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary on Williams Street in Pittsfield.  Participants have been growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs at the two-acre gardens site for over three decades. 

 

"Canoe Meadows gardeners have developed great friendships over the years," said Diane Wetzel, Master Gardener. "They love to share their knowledge of growing vegetables with novices while enjoying the spectacular view of the Berkshires."

 

In order to participate, all community gardeners attend a virtual organic gardening workshop offered free of charge on Thursday, April 29, at 6:30pm-7:30 pm.  Information will be shared about the benefits of organic gardening as well as practical information on how to incorporate this approach in your garden. Gardeners in the program are also required to commit to organic gardening. This free program is open to all gardeners, not only our community gardeners. The gardens are expected to open on May 1.

 

The garden sites, which measure 15 feet by 20 feet each rent for $35 for Mass Audubon members.  Currently, a special half price $32  Mass Audubon family membership offer is in effect.  Gardeners may rent multiple sites if they wish.  There are also four accessible raised garden beds.

 

This year Mass autobahn is offering need-based financial assistance to new or previous gardeners who are eligible.

 

Those interested, can call the main office at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox to register for the workshop on April 29. Participants may register online www.massaudubon.org/pleasantvalleyprograms or by phone 413-637-0320,. You may also email berkshires@massaudubon.org for more information.