Vaudreuil-Dorion unveiled its brand new Jardinothèque at the municipal library on April 14, a new service which features a variety of organic, local, ancestral and indigenous seeds – including herbs, flowers and vegetables – that are being offered free of charge to its members.
Renowned Quebec horticulturalist and author Albert Mondor spoke about the benefits of urban gardening during a presentation at the Vaudreuil-Dorion library on April 14. (PHOTO JOHN JANTAK)
The goal of the project is to encourage and promote urban agriculture among citizens. It’s aim is to foster plant and insect biodiversity, promote indigenous and heritage seeds and showcase the gardening resources available at the library.
This year, the Jardinothèque will offer 86 seed varieties. Members will be able to borrow them using their library card. Those who wish to do so will be able to return the seeds that they will harvest in the fall. Returning the seeds will be optional and reserved for experienced gardeners for this year.
Workshops on seed conservation will also be offered in the future to help citizens harvest the seeds from their plants and place them in envelopes that can be offered to the Jardinothèque.
Professional guidance
Renowned Quebec horticulturalist and author Albert Mondor was also present to show support for Vaudreuil-Dorion’s environmental initiative and provided advice and tips on how anyone can plant their own urban vegetable garden regardless where they live. He is also the author of nine agricultural books “This conference is about new ways to do gardening and urban agriculture in Vaudreuil-Dorion which can have a tremendous impact on climate change. If people get their food from places like Mexico or California it can be very costly. We have to rely on our own agricultural system and every citizen has to do their part by doing urban agriculture which helps to reduce our carbon footprint,” Mondor told VIVA MÉDIA.
He’s delivered the same message about urban agriculture to other municipalities throughout Quebec for several years now and has written nine books on the subject. People who have attended his conferences are very appreciative of the information they have learned regarding the benefits of urban vegetable gardening.
“People are sometimes surprised to find that vegetables can be grown even on balconies. “As soon as I explain the technique which is fairly simple, people really enjoy it and want to do the same thing at home. It’s important. We need to do more of these activities to maintain our environment and combat climate change,” said Mondor.
Year of the garden
Last fall, Vaudreuil-Dorion responded to the call by Les Fleurons du Québec and the Canadian Garden Council by declaring 2022 the Year of the Garden. The City is already taking several actions to promote gardening by providing its population with four community gardens and three self-service edible garden arrangements.
Promoting healthy and diversified food options through urban agriculture and community gardens among other things, is an integral part of Vaudreuil-Dorion’s strategic plan for 2020-2025. The city also received its certification as a Monarch butterfly friendly city in June 2021.
