A plot-laden neighbourhood hides a decades-long piece of growing land nearly forgotten by the city, but embraced by neighbours.
After 35 years of being cultivated by James Vitti and Brigitte Sutherland, the city lot is on the precipice of a more formal designation as a common gardens food forest.
The history of the garden goes back to the neighbouring lot two owners ago, Vitti explained. They were looking to divide the lot, but learned from the city they couldn't because of an underground brick-lined culvert running under the land. The city bought the lot and the couple next door gardened there. When they came decades ago, Vitti and Sutherland continued that practice.
"We wanted to make it something that we could eat from throughout the whole year," Vitti said, pointing to added fruit trees and vines. "We wanted to add enough that there would be more birds and all sorts of wildlife here."
It's become a neighbourhood hub, with neighbours pitching in on occasion, or enjoying an Easter hunt or block party in the space.
"We've always also envisioned it as also a nucleus of other gardens on Garden Street," Vitti said.
