Work on edging, rock placements, and trimming the landscape fabric has already been completed at the new Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary. However, volunteers are needed for laying sod and planting later this month. (Submitted photo/Leslie Cornell)

By Becky Zimmer

Volunteers needed

Green thumbed volunteers needed to finish urban garden at Humboldt hospital

Sep 7, 2021 | 1:30 PM

In honour of those involved in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018, the Humboldt and District Hospital Complex will soon have a new garden sanctuary for patients and families to enjoy.

However, work needs to be done before visitors to the hospital and Humboldt can enjoy the space.

The land for the site was donated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority in order to develop the garden.

While work has already been done on edging, rock placements, and trimming the landscape fabric, volunteers are needed for a number of days this month to lay sod and plant the greenery that has been prepared for the site.

Leslie Cornell, past president of Landscape Saskatchewan and project manager for the Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary, said the project has already come a long way and everything is in place to finish what a number of volunteers and organizations have started.

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“People were wanting to do something (after the crash), realizing that there’s a need for healing and hope and a future and a place to collect people.”

Volunteers are currently needed to lay sod on Sept. 10 and 11 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and for the planting on Sept. 24 to 26 also between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Around 20 to 30 volunteers will make the days run smoothly, said Cornell.

So far, the project has been very rewarding, said Cornell.

“I’ve got to meet a lot of amazing people and it is heartwarming to see so many people that do show up and put some time in and want to see this built for their community.”

The hospital is an appropriate location for the garden, said Michael Ulriksen, director of community and leisure services for the City of Humboldt.

“Whether they’re (patients) in there long term or just short term, it’ll be a great spot to get people out and enjoy the garden and kind of escape the hospital itself.”

From a community perspective the garden will benefit the community as a whole, said Ulriksen.

The garden space located along 14th Ave. on the south side of the hospital was donated by the Humboldt and District Hospital Foundation and the project is going forward with assistance from Landscape Alberta, Landscape Saskatchewan, Scotts Canada, and the national branch of Communities in Bloom.

Those looking to get involved can contact Cornell directly at (306) 630-8485.

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Becky.Zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow