Dr. Sherri Galasso, M.D. of the Legends Medical Clinic and her husband Mike Dubé have taken their love of gardening and established a bountiful urban farm in the middle of Warman to provide a source of nutritious vegetables.
“Our goal is to get as many people as possible eating fresh organically grown food,” said Galasso. “Good food is medicine and we want to nourish everyone.”
Science confirms that the food we eat has an important role in our health. Vegetables play a key role because they are packed with nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre). Vegetables fresh from the garden are highest in nutritional value and taste.
Successful backyard gardeners, Galasso and Dubé took on the challenge of converting a century-old lawn into a vibrant urban farm in the lot on the corner of Central Street and 8th Avenue in Warman. Their goal is to leave the earth better than they found it.
To prepare the lot for planting, trees needed to be removed. Wood chips from those trees were then used to make pathways throughout the garden. A rototiller was needed initially because the existing ground was as hard as concrete. Only the planting rows were tilled.
“We do not use synthetic chemical fertilizers,” said Dubé. “Before we plant, we amend the soil using chicken manure pellets, alfalfa meal and glacial rock dust. We operate on low tillage. I use a tool that mixes those amendments into the top inch or two. Soil health is a priority. If we take care of the soil then it will take care of the produce.”
While they grow the usual staples, they try to grow them in interesting ways with different varieties.
“We grow for flavour,” said Galasso. “We don’t grow for commodity. If it doesn’t produce well but tastes great we will still grow it.”
After taste-testing their samples of a sun gold tomato and a rattlesnake bean, this reporter can personally attest to flavours on a different level.
Dr. Galasso sees nutrition as an important part of her patient’s health care.
“Last year we grew an extra 300 seedlings to give to my patients,” she said. “It was so inspiring to see how many people redid a garden this year because they loved it so much.”
“Patients do not have to buy from us,” she added. “I just want them to eat wholesome food. It has been like full circle medicine. Patients can come here to look and learn about the produce, and how to prepare it to nourish their bodies.”
Another important benefit of the garden is it has given the couple a chance to get to know so much of the community.
An additional goal is to inspire people to grow their own food.
“I love gardening and I am happy to chat,” said Dubé. “If I can inspire someone in their own garden that is awesome too.”