While it’s been a process, and a dream in the making, things are finally in the ground and coming together at the community greenhouse in Burlington.
The project, which is spearheaded by Actor/Comedian Shaun Majumder as part of his upcoming series for the W Network called “Majumder Manor” began several months ago when film crews documented the beginning stages of the construction for the greenhouse, located on Old Church Road in Majumder’s hometown.
The dream from the crew involved, is to create a place where people can come and participate in growing, buying, and harvesting healthy, organic vegetables that will be a staple and also a source of economic stimulus to the community as a whole. During the past months, the emphasis has been on the construction of the actual greenhouse building - with assistance from professional contractors, local volunteers, and people who have a keen interest in what’s happening in the town and want to help out.
Sarah Evans, who has been in Burlington off and on for the past few months, is the on-the-ground person for the Majumder team overseeing all the activity in the area of the greenhouse. Evans, a native of Toronto, has fit right in with the locals, and has been successful in commissioning many of them for help in what will eventually be hopefully a shining example of what can be accomplished when people come together for a common goal.
With construction now complete, just in time to plant the first summer harvest, it was a big day last Saturday for the people of Burlington and the surrounding communities who showed up to get their hands dirty, and help get the first seeds in the ground. Things were especially exciting for the younger generation of farmers, who were undoubtedly the biggest help throughout the day. With everything from carrying water, preparing soil, or actually putting seeds in the ground, Evans and others were on board to help and guide through the entire process.
Leading up to the day, the call was also put out for suggestions on what to name the new feature in the town. Suggestions came in through pieces of paper dropped in a bucket at the Greenhouse by visitors, and all were considered by a team of judges which included Majumder, Evans, and Peter Blackie who is also a key player in the project.
In the end, a list of finalists were chosen, and the general public voted through door to door response from Majumder himself. Based on the votes, it was determined that the name would be “Hummock’s View Greens.”
The name derives from a series of mountains that can be seen from the greenhouse, known locally as the Hummocks. Majumder said the name opens up the possibility for discussion on some of the things about Burlington that many love when visiting – including the scenery and the local landscape.
An event is tentatively scheduled for sometime in August to commemorate the first harvest of the Greenhouse. Majumder says while no final plans are currently in place, it’s sure to be a time no one will want to miss.
editor@thenorwester.ca
