Vandalism at the Ladysmith Community Gardens is putting a damper on a beautiful growing season.
The Ladysmith Community Gardens Society is now in its third year of producing food for the community. The Community Garden plots at the corner of Second Avenue and High Street are used by various renters, including youth, seniors and families. The centre Dogwood Bed grows food for the Ladysmith Food Bank.
Ladysmith Community Gardens Society volunteers and gardeners were shocked to arrive at the gardens on July 19 and find that all the potato plants for the Food Bank had been pulled out and thrown to the ground.
Anne Russell, secretary-treasurer of the Ladysmith Community Gardens Society, says the gardens are looking beautiful this year, and society members hope the community stops by to enjoy the hard work of the garden members.
“As it is such a lovely project, it is always a shock for volunteers and gardeners to arrive to see the food ripped out from its roots out of the Food Bank beds and/or their individual plots,” said Russell.
Members of the Ladysmith Community Gardens Society ask that neighbours watch over the garden and report any vandalism immediately by contacting Russell at 250-667-2843 or calling the RCMP at 250-245-2215.
“Let’s keep this public space safe and flourishing for our community,” said Russell.