Fresh fruit is at your fingertips in the City of Grande Prairie’s Community Orchards.

The city’s first community orchards were planted in 2015, with more added in the following years. Several different types of fruit-bearing plants are in your community orchard and ready to harvest at various times throughout the season.

These green spaces beautify our communities and entice neighbours outdoors regularly, where they build friendships and community ties. 

Click here to view all of the City of Grande Prairie’s community orchards in an interactive map with more information on orchard locations, available fruits, harvest times and best uses for your harvest. 

In 2020 the City of Grande Prairie implemented the first learning garden at the Design Works Centre to teach participants of the GP Grows Gardening program how to grow and care for their gardens. Through this project, we were able to donate 6 full garbage bags of Swiss chard (3 harvests), approximately 10-15 lbs of radishes, 327 beets, and 350 carrots to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre Community Kitchen. 

This year we are expanding the learning garden program to include gardens at the Reverend Forbes Homestead as well as our flagship garden at the Design Works Centre. 

We can't wait to share our harvest results with you this year. To catch up on all our tips for growing in Grande Prairie view the videos below.

In 2014 the City of Grande Prairie committed to an Edible Landscaping Policy (Policy 212) which sees the City plant a specific portion of trees each year that produce edible crops on municipal landscapes. Since 2014, Parks Operations has planted hundreds of shrubs and edible trees, including apple, pear, apricot, plum, and cherry trees. In addition to our community orchards, you can find edible landscapes in our parks and downtown core. 

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GP Grows: On Tour is a great chance to connect with the natural environment, learn about sustainable practices, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the green spaces that enhance our daily lives. This Season we have are taking GP Grows: On Tour to Orchards and our Learning Garden! 

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On Earth Day, April 20, 2024, GP Grows offers residents the opportunity to visit a GP Grows Seed Bar. There, they can choose from a selection of 14 diverse seed varieties to create their personalized gardens. Participants not only gain insights into nurturing these plants but also receive a tailored seed-growing kit to cultivate their chosen seeds at home.

Instructions for planting seed potatoes
Seed planting instructions 
We’ll be checking in along the way on social media with tips, tricks and troubleshooting to ensure your garden is a delicious success.

Everyone participating in GP Grows is encouraged to share photos of their gardens on social media using the hashtag #GPGrows. For more details, visit cityofgp.com/earthday         

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We have seeds left over from the GP Grows: Seed Bar event that we had on April 20, and we’re excited to share them with you! Come and join us for a free community pop up event at the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion in Muskoseepi Park where you can pick up a variety of seeds to enhance your garden including: 

• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Beans
• Cucumbers
• Peas
• Spinach
• Beets
• Sun Flowers

Seeds will be available until gone on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last. 

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GP Grows: Dig It returns, brought to you by the City of Grande Prairie and sponsored by Servus Credit Union.

GP Grows: Dig It continues its mission to provide residents with an engaging gardening endeavour, offering seed potatoes, seed onions, and triple-mix soil—all for free. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, our on-site team will be available to address any questions you may have and offer tips and tricks to maximize your plant growth!

• Suitable for all levels of gardeners
• No registration required
• Open to residents of Grande Prairie.
• Bring your own pail or container for the veggie mix soil from KLon Services. Limit of 10 gallons of soil per person. 

Save the Date: May 11, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Grande Prairie Activity & Reception Centre, 9401 Park Road

While supplies last. 

Instructions for planting seed potatoes
Seed planting instructions 

Pollinators play a crucial role in our food supply and ecosystems. They help pollinate crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, that provide us with the food we eat every day. Without pollinators, many of these crops would not produce fruit, resulting in lower yields and higher prices for consumers. Pollinators also help maintain healthy ecosystems by pollinating wildflowers and other plants, which provide habitat and food for other wildlife. Additionally, they are essential for the reproduction of many trees and shrubs, which prevent soil erosion, reduce air pollution, and provide shade and shelter.

Unfortunately, pollinator populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This decline is a cause for concern, as it could significantly impact our food supply and ecosystems.

Join us in celebrating Pollinator Week in Grande Prairie with a series of fun and educational events, activities and prize draws: