Saint John community gardens are doing more than growing flowers and vegetables this summer. Through educational programs, public events, and a shared love of gardening, the Saint John Horticultural Association continues to create spaces where people and nature thrive together.
In this interview, Amy Cleveland, Horticulture Technician, Master Gardener, and representative of the Saint John Horticultural Association, speaks with Saint John Community Voice Community Editor Sochi Azuh about how the association is cultivating community connections, promoting environmental stewardship, and creating opportunities for residents of all ages to learn, volunteer, and grow together.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Amy Cleveland, and I am a horticulture technician and a master gardener. I have been working in this field for about 15 years. In a previous career, I was a veterinary technician for 13 years. Eventually, I became tired and burned out and began to wonder what I wanted to do next. Gardening had always been my passion. I maintained my own greenhouse and large vegetable and flower gardens at home. That led me to pursue my Master Gardener certification through Dalhousie University and my horticulture technician training through Landscape New Brunswick. I am also a certified pollinator steward with Pollinator Partnership Canada and a monarch steward with Monarch Joint Venture. Gardening and pollinator preservation are truly my passions.
What does summer in the garden mean to you personally?
Dirty hands and bare feet. It means getting my hands into the soil, reconnecting with nature, and spending the season with dirt on my hands and feet.
How do community gardens contribute to building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods in Saint John?
The whole point of a public garden is community engagement. We want the community here. We love seeing children playing in the park, families having picnics, and people enjoying the space. Many people live in apartments or do not have access to their own yards, so providing a place where they can enjoy nature is very meaningful.
What programs or events are taking place this summer?
This summer, we are partnering with the Saint John Arts Centre to host a plein air watercolour class, where participants will paint in the park. We also offer classes on seed starting, square-foot vegetable gardening, and pollinator gardening. We hope to organize some fun activities for children as well, including simple community events like water balloon games. Of course, anyone is welcome to enjoy the park at any time.
Are there opportunities for beginners or people without gardening experience to get involved?
Definitely. We welcome volunteers, and our classes are offered free of charge. As a nonprofit organization, donations are always appreciated, but never required. Many of our classes are designed specifically for beginners, and anyone is welcome to attend.
How do community gardens contribute to environmental sustainability and stewardship in our city?
We place a high value on pollinator conservation. For example, we avoid raking leaves or cutting back dead plant material until overwintering pollinators have emerged. We also maintain milkweed throughout the park because it is the host plant for endangered monarch butterflies. Supporting pollinators and protecting nature are central goals of the park.
What are your top tips for successful gardening during the summer?
Take your time. Every year is different, and gardeners should not assume that conditions will be the same as previous seasons. Gardening depends heavily on weather conditions. If we experience another drought year, for example, we need to adapt our watering practices and remain mindful of environmental conditions.
For someone interested in starting a small garden at home, what would you recommend growing first?
Square-foot gardening is an excellent and simple way to begin. Even people without a yard can grow vegetables in containers on a deck or balcony. Lettuce, spinach, peas, beans, kale, tomatoes, and peppers are all relatively easy crops for beginners.
Are there any projects, partnerships, or initiatives you are particularly excited about?
We have several initiatives under consideration while we await funding decisions, so I cannot share details just yet. However, I am especially excited about our plans for a fall festival in the park, featuring activities for children, family programming, and a small vendor market around Halloween.
What are your hopes for the future of community gardening in Saint John?
My hope is to increase awareness of the public gardens throughout Saint John. Many people have never visited the park, which is unfortunate. The Saint John Horticultural Association was founded in 1893, so we have been serving the community for well over a century. As someone who is relatively new to the organization, I am excited to help build and expand the gardens. I want this to become a destination for residents, visitors, and gardeners alike—a beautiful space that people make a point of visiting when they come to Saint John.
