Sometimes there are moments when procrastinating on a post for over a year can actually work in your favour. I went to Alberta Open Farm Days last year with Cindy at Reclaim Urban Farm and never got around to posting about my experience, so here’s a throwback Thursday in time for this year’s Alberta Open Farm Days happening this weekend. I didn’t have a lot of time to drive out to some of the farms outside of Edmonton, so I popped down to the St. John’s Institute to learn more about Reclaim Urban Farm instead. I had some knowledge about Reclaim Urban Farm based on their farmer’s market booth and from a few presentations/panels they have been on.
Alberta Open Farm Days
Reclaim Urban Farm
The tour at the Reclaim Urban Farm was free with lunch provided, but they also had some of the produce available for sale with the proceeds going to their land partner – St. John’s Institute. Look at how gorgeous those microgreens are!
Reclaim Urban Farm Suggested Donation Price on Alberta Farm Days
Reclaim Urban Farm Microgreens
Reclaim Urban Farm does SPIN (Small Plot INtensive) farming and has several plots along the Whyte Ave/Garneau area. I love the use of urban spaces and the fact that they are also trying to use bicycles to travel in between lots for farming and harvesting. The lot near St.John’s Institute is one of the larger ones that they have and there were rows of vegetables and it was surprising how much they can grow on a small plot of land.
Radishes under the agribond
Lettuce growing in their beds
Edible flowers
Ryan and Cathryn showing us how they seed their plots
After the tour of the plot, we were provided with lunch at the St. John’s Institute using Reclaim Urban Farm produce. While there was no cost for the tour and lunch, most people did end up donating $10-$20 to the St. John’s Institute.
We were expecting a light lunch, but the folks at St. John’s Institute really put out a spread and it was much more than I was expecting! The only thing I knew about the St. John’s Institute prior to this was the perogy nights that are held every month (also a great evening out!), but they do catering as well and based on this meal – I think it would be pretty awesome food!
St. John’s Institute salad made with Reclaim Urban Farm products
“Light” lunch provided by the St. John’s Institute – burger, mussels, Mediterranean potato salad, corn on the cob.
Delicious berry tart provided by the St. John’s Institute for dessert
If you have the opportunity to head out for Alberta Open Farm Days, I would definitely recommend looking on their website and considering a plan to drive out and visit some of the farms to see what Alberta has to offer! Even if you can’t get to places out of the city, there are a few within the city limits like Reclaim Urban Farm.
