This is the first interview in our series, “Get to know a Gardener” where we interview Dig In! volunteers about food and urban agriculture. These interviews will be published weekly throughout the summer. Through this series we aim to show the many faces that make up Dig In!, and find out more about why they are involved in urban agriculture. Enjoy!
Alycia, pictured in her favourite campus garden, located on the south side of the University of Toronto Student Union building, in the Hart House circle. In this garden you can find raspberries, sweet peppers, tomates, squash and a variety of herbs.
Alycia is a garden coordinator for Dig In! Campus Agriculture, and has been gardening with us since the start of this season. In July 2013, Alycia will be certified as a Holistic Nutritionist, while also working alongside a Homeopath. She has been living in Toronto for the past 5 years. In her free time, you can find Alycia reading and researching anything holistic, which is her source of inspiration. She loves to cook healthy meals for others, and especially loves to cook seasonally. She also loves to spend time outdoors at Dufferin Grove Park and at her cottage in Parry Sound.
Dig In!: What is your favourite food? Alycia: It depends on the season but in the summer, it’s definitely local Ontario strawberries and peaches.
Dig In!: What has been your favourite item to grow? Alycia: Kale because it’s so cute when it starts growing. Also, edible flowers because they’re beautiful in a salad.
Dig In!: What kinds of items have you grown in the past? Alycia: I have always had a garden at my parents’ home, and have grown a variety of herbs, chives, and tomatoes. Cucumbers and raspberries also frequent my garden.
Dig In!: What is your favourite thing about being in the garden? Alycia: Getting my hands dirty and being outside in the spring, summer and fall!
Dig In!: How would you describe your garden in 5 words or less? Alycia: Simple, nutritious and low maintenance. Everyone can do it!
Dig In!: What is the best memory or experience you’ve had in a garden? Alycia: Eating raspberries, or cucumbers, or tomatoes right off the bush in my parents backyard.
Dig In!: If you could have some sort of magical gardening power, what would it be? Alycia: To end all production of genetically modified crops and stop them from spreading to surrounding farmers who refuse to grow GM crops.
Dig In!: What is the main reason you choose to garden organically? Alycia: I’m a holistic nutritionist and I’ve been studying the effects of GMO and pesticide use on produce and its effects on human health and the environment. It’s scary! I’m worried for the current state and future of our food!
Dig In!: How does gardening on campus or in the city of Toronto factor into this response?
Alycia: It’s hard to find local, organic food grown in the city because there isn’t a lot of access to land. Eating local is important to me, as well as being able to grow your own food. We need to understand where our food comes from and how it’s produced, rather than buying it in a grocery store that imported it from South Africa. It’s also really cost effective and sustainable, which is an added bonus!
If you wish to speak to Alycia about her Holistic Nutrition Practice, Alycia Bee Nutrition, please email her at alycialbromley@gmail.com or “like” her facebook page for updates on recipes, nutrition and holistic living.
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