I just spent a few minutes in Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard today (on May 4,2020) and it was breathtaking. The sun was shining, the air was cool and crisp, and our old, historic plum tree is putting on a fantastic blossom show. And the cherry and apple trees are getting ready to do their own little blossoming performance. It’s magical.

And now the city is allowing members of community gardens to get back to work. But because of the COVID-19 crisis, we will be organizing our activities very, very carefully. As the group’s co-ordinator I’m going through all the forms to make sure we comply with the instructions to ensure safety for all. In a nutshell here are some of the city’s requirements:

Summary of Toronto Public Health Rules for Community Gardens During COVID-19

• If a volunteer has any symptoms at all or feels ill in any way, they must stay home to protect others in the garden.
• We all must practice physical distancing, keeping 2 metres (six feet) in between us.
• The city prohibits more than 5 people in the garden at a time. In Ben Nobleman Park we will aim for just 3 people at a time.
• Volunteers must use hand sanitizer on their hands before coming into the garden and after leaving the garden. I’m hoping everyone has hand sanitizer at home that they can bring with them? If not reach out and we can see if we can help there.
• And of course, if you sneeze or cough, use a tissue of the sleeve of your arm. Avoid touching your face.
• We must also keep records of who is in the orchard and when. Lynn has been doing this for years. So after each visit, all volunteers must email Lynn to update her when you were in the orchard, how long you were there, and who you were with. That way if anyone does get sick we can do contact tracing.

What You Need to Do to Be Involved in Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard this Year

If you do want to participate this year, we would love to have you! Here are the steps for getting involved this year.

1. Download the Toronto Public Health Community and Allotment Garden factsheet here and read it carefully.
2. Take a quick COVID-19 Self Assessment to make sure you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you do have symptoms you won’t be able to be involved in park activities until you are fully recovered.
3. Download and fill out this Declaration for Members” to say you have read and understand the safety requirements outlined in the fact sheet. Then send Susan your form once it is filled out.
4. Buddy up! We will be working in the park in very small teams of 3 people or less. Each team will have a separate job in the garden. Some of us will care for the trees and others will focus on the garden.
5. Each group will select a different day and time to be in the park and they will meet in the park weekly for the next couple of months. After that we will meet just twice a month. Please decide what day works for you (and your buddy if you have one) and notify Susan.
6. Don’t have a buddy? We can find a buddy for you if you like! Reach out to Lynn and Susan and we will partner you up with someone suitable to you!

Coming up this later this week we will have a Google Hangout meeting to discuss this further, to book garden times, to find buddies and to make plans.

It’s going to be a different type of year in the park. But it will still be beautiful. We will make it through COVID-19!