As of 2026, Lady Flower Gardens (LFG) is hoping to transition to smaller gardens in different communities in Edmonton. We want to generate a movement: FYRE (Front Yard Revolution Edmonton). The goal is to create front-yard garden plots for communities to grow food for each other and the Edmonton Food Bank. The activities that took place at LFG will continue throughout the city at these front-yard gardens where people, including vulnerable community members, can learn valuable skills in growing vegetables and work with the land while building community to promote physical, mental, and social well-being. This system of front yard gardens is based on the Victory Gardens during and after World War Two, which were gardens in citizens' backyards to reduce the strain on food supply systems and redirect use of resources like metal from canned foods towards the war effort. FYRE gardens will rely on regenerative agriculture, a system of no-tilling, using little water, and limited fertilizer and pesticide usage. These garden plots will be maintained by FYRE workers, the households will provide the water, and together they will donate most of the product grown towards local food banks. A portion of the product grown will go to the households for their own use as well! The hope with this project is to develop many small front yard gardens throughout the city to provide community-based support of local food banks, including on lands owned by agencies serving vulnerable communities who often rely on the food bank. Essentially, FYRE will be good people supporting vulnerable and marginalized neighbours by growing good food.
Food insecurity is a massive problem globally, and is more prevalent than ever here in Alberta where almost 1 in 3 families experience food insecurity. This issue is only expected to grow in severity as it is predicted that the average prices of food will increase 4-6% in 2026. This not only affects people’s physical well-being, but also their mental health and social connection. LFG has been equipping vulnerable members of the community with the skills and knowledge to grow their own vegetables to help support themselves and their families since 2012. We hope to extend this knowledge to a broader community through our FYRE gardens and educational videos posted to social media. These FYRE gardens take root from victory gardens encouraged during the war that were cultivated by civilians in private yards and public spaces to boost food supplies and morale. These gardens provided fresh produce to combat food shortages and to empower households to support the war effort. Today, we face rising food prices and increasing reliance on food services as Edmonton’s Food Bank supports over 47,000 people monthly, its highest demand in its history. These LFG gardens have the potential to address some of the food insecurity issues, build community, boost overall physical and mental well-being, and aid the planet through growing sustainable food.
If you are interested in joining this initiative and making a difference in your Edmonton community, please email Annie at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved! We are still looking for more garden space for this year as well as planning ahead for next year, so don't hesitate to reach out.
Food insecurity is a massive problem globally, and is more prevalent than ever here in Alberta where almost 1 in 3 families experience food insecurity. This issue is only expected to grow in severity as it is predicted that the average prices of food will increase 4-6% in 2026. This not only affects people’s physical well-being, but also their mental health and social connection. LFG has been equipping vulnerable members of the community with the skills and knowledge to grow their own vegetables to help support themselves and their families since 2012. We hope to extend this knowledge to a broader community through our FYRE gardens and educational videos posted to social media. These FYRE gardens take root from victory gardens encouraged during the war that were cultivated by civilians in private yards and public spaces to boost food supplies and morale. These gardens provided fresh produce to combat food shortages and to empower households to support the war effort. Today, we face rising food prices and increasing reliance on food services as Edmonton’s Food Bank supports over 47,000 people monthly, its highest demand in its history. These LFG gardens have the potential to address some of the food insecurity issues, build community, boost overall physical and mental well-being, and aid the planet through growing sustainable food.
If you are interested in joining this initiative and making a difference in your Edmonton community, please email Annie at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved! We are still looking for more garden space for this year as well as planning ahead for next year, so don't hesitate to reach out.