Get Involved!
Volunteer for Backyard Bounty
Want to learn more about gardening? Want to produce fresh vegetables using organic growing methods? Want to learn from experienced organic growers?
Click here to download our volunteer application form (pdf).
Want to apply to be one of the 40 yards in our project this year?
Simply contact us by phone or email, or and we can see if your space offers suitable growing conditions.
Update on Backyard Space for 2010
If you are interested in having your backyard gardened by Backyard Bounty, please fill in our online questionnaire
How your backyard can make you the envy of your neighbours, a hero to your community, provide local jobs and get you free delicious food
(and maybe even a little money without you ever lifting a finger).
Maybe you've been meaning to do something with it. Maybe you've given up in the battle against the weeds and dandelions. Maybe you've been thinking of starting a garden. Well...
...we'd like to make you an offer! It will mean that you never need to mow or tend to your backyard again.
But before we tell you what it is, consider this:
much of the food you eat (conventional and organic alike) travels thousands of miles from farm to fork.
- Along the way, food loses nutritional value, burns fossil fuels, and contributes to climate change.
- The average city has only three days of food supply (meaning if roads were cut off and food was evenly divided, it would be gone in three days).
- Guelph has plenty of dormant land that could be used to grow delicious, organic food right in the city.
Local food – on the other hand - tastes better, is fresher, strengthens our local economy, and creates healthy vibrant communities.
Beyond Organic......Local Just Got Closer!
One of the fastest growing trends in North America is the return of the backyard garden. Even faster (and far more sustainable) than large scale organic farming – is small scale, organic urban farming.
We believe that one of the most untapped resources in our city are own backyards. We are a local group called Backyard Bounty. We are working on a solution that can create local 'green jobs', grow healthy food right here in Guelph, support local restaurants and get people like you involved in a big solution (with minimal effort).
Our Proposal to You:
We would like to lease your backyard and grow food in it. We want to turn your backyard into a thriving, organic, highly productive, sustainable 'microfarm'. But you don't lift a finger (unless you want to). You will have inspired, professional young people coming to your home throughout the week to tend your garden.
Your neighbours will walk by, peer over their fences and look out their back windows and wonder what is going on. As they walk by they'll read signs in your front yard that describe what's going on and you'll find yourself speaking eloquently and powerfully about the movement your yard is a part of. You'll be the talk of your block.
You will get to look through your back window to see your beautifully kept garden growing throughout the summer. And every few months you'll get an overflowing basket of some of the most delicious corn, squash, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers you've ever tasted.
The rest of what's grown will be sold locally at the market and to restaurants.
And your yard will be a part of a local movement to get folks in Guelph more aware about sustainable food and gardening practices, while fostering community.
Your backyard will become a beautiful embodiment of the new green economy – an economy that balances economic, environmental and social values.
If I don't have a yard can I still get involved?
Yes, we love volunteers and there will be plenty of opportunity to get involved, learn new skills & create community. Just give us a call or send us an email.
Where can I buy/eat your produce?
We will be marketing our produce to local stores, restaurants and markets so check our website for a list of local businesses carrying our products. If you want to buy direct from us, let us know & we will oblige your requests whenever possible. Also we hope to run a small Community Supported Agriculture program with just a few members so if you are interested call soon!
Are you only growing in backyards?
Nope, we like front yards and side yards too, and any other cultivatable urban space. If you are connected with a church, school, business or another community organization that can offer growing space please contact us!
Again – if you'd like to apply to be on of the 40 yards we work with just fill in our online questionnaire or drop us an email -- or call 519-829-2281.
