Peter Meegan isn't a green thumb by any stretch. But thanks to a city of Coquitlam initiative, he has become a bit of an urban gardener.
The owner of Mary Ann Meegan Insurance on Austin Avenue doesn't know his basil from his chard but has become a quick study after he was tasked with the responsibility of looking after three veggie planters for Coquitlam Munch, the city's latest Communities in Bloom project and also developed to celebrate Coquitlam's 125th anniversary.
"I thought it was a good community thing," said Meegan, who had to plant the herbs and veggies as part of the planter "adoption" process, and was surprised at how fun it was.
"It's in the blood," he joked, noting that members of his Irish family are good gardeners.
The planters — 38 in all — are situated in front of businesses along Austin and Ridgeway avenues, and are filled with a variety of edible plants. Right now, the blueberries are starting to ripen, Swiss chard is ready for picking and you can already snip off some leaf lettuce and purple bush beans.
In all, there are about 36 plants growing in self-watering planters that were created by a garden designer and planted by the adopting businesses.
"It's about reaching out to the neighbourhood and drawing in the community," said Erin Davidson, executive director of the Austin Heights Business Improvement Association.
Indeed, there is evidence that people are already enjoying the produce: Some of the chives have been snipped off along with some lettuce.
Davidson said the public is invited to harvest the produce; in the fall, cool weather veggies will be planted.
The project is one of several the Austin Heights BIA has initiated in recent years to beautify the area and Davidson expects it to continue for years to come.
With luck, the judges of the national Communities in Bloom contest will also enjoy the planters when they visit the city July 20 and 21 to review the city's beautification initiatives.
• For a map of the Coquitlam Munch planters, visit here.
