There’s something growing in Metchosin besides buttercups and dandelions. From apples to zucchini, the farms and gardens of this community are alive with wholesome food. This calls for a celebration and Derek Wulff, local teacher, gardener, market vendor and beekeeper, is organizing just such an event. He envisions a relaxed gathering of like-minded individuals sharing a meal and learning about the variety of foodstuffs produced here. The event is a great opportunity to meet your neighbours and draw on the knowledge and resources available in the areas of gardening, farming, cooking and other topics that may crop up.

Inspired by the Slow Food movement, Wulff invites new and seasoned Metchosinites to come together to enjoy the earth’s bounty and celebrate the growing season. The Slow Food movement originated in Italy and is a reaction to the pervasive fast food phenomenon. Slow Food promotes gastronomic culture, conserves agricultural diversity and protects traditional foods at risk of extinction. Founded in 1986, the movement now has over 80,000 members in 100 countries, including Prince Charles of England. A speaker from the Slow Food movement will be present at the event. The intention is to generate a discussion on how to include more homegrown foods in one’s life. For example, rather than purchasing French fries that have been shipped frozen across the country from Prince Edward Island, slicing and baking your own using potatoes from a neighbouring farm would be a simple switch to make. These practices support local farmers and drastically reduce the fuel and environmental costs of transporting food.

Mark your calendar for Saturday June 25 from 5-10pm. The ‘homegrown potluck’ will be held at Metchosin Community House and is sponsored by the Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin. The event is free and open to anyone wishing to participate by bringing a dish to share which has been made from locally grown organic ingredients. If your garden is ‘under construction’ and you’re at a loss as to what to bring, you can check out local farm stands or the Metchosin Farmer’s Market from 11-2 on Sundays. Some ideas include: a spinach and filbert salad, a rack of lamb, a carrot loaf, a vegetable quiche, anything created using local organic items is welcome. Use your imagination!

• Where: Metchosin Community House, 4430 Happy Valley Road, next to the Firewall
• When: Saturday June 25, 2005 from 5pm-10pm
• What to bring: a dish made with local organic ingredients, your own dishes and cutlery.