Adventures in Powell River: Getting back to nature at Sycamore Commons
Strawberries? Did someone say strawberries?
All it took was a Facebook invitation from Permaculture Powell River for strawberries and my shoes were on and I was out the door. In minutes I arrived at the lush oasis that is Sycamore Commons.
Sycamore Commons is located within what some people might say is the soul of Powell River’s Townsite, Church’s Corner, on the grounds of St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church. The Commons is a community permaculture initiative led by Permaculture Powell River. All are welcome.
This blessed birdhouse.
Permaculture Powell River is a community group dedicated to, well, permaculture in Powell River. A basic definition of permaculture is that it is working with nature to cultivate a self-sustaining ecosystem using renewable resources as much as possible. Permaculture Powell River’s activities include offering workshops like Bioremediation (healing of contaminated soil), Freezer Composter Conversion, and Urban Homesteading Bootcamp. During the latter, one of the main projects has been to build an incredibly fertile raised bed out of rotting wood, manure, and other organic matter, called a hügelkultur (German for “mound culture”).
Permaculture Powell River also offers Urban Farming Practicums and holds work parties throughout the year. These work parties are community events and besides regular garden maintenance and project work, there’s always lots of socializing and stuff to learn from others.
Peace Pole at the Commons.
After sampling some strawberries and collecting a few to take home, I wandered the grounds to enjoy the gardens and other projects completed by the permaculture group. I rested a while enjoying the view from a handcrafted wooden arbour. From my seat I could see blooming poppies, beds of ripe and ripening strawberries, and countless other plant species like rosemary, blueberries, lemon balm, and sage.
Blooms as big as your hand!
Eager for their time in the sunny spotlight, the lavender, black-eyed susans, and goldenrod were gearing up for their big show in the coming weeks and months.
But the Commons are not just for spring and summer enjoyment. There are year-round every-day uses too. Need to take a bus downtown? There’s a bus stop on Sycamore Street just at the edge of the church property and there stands the Sycamore Commons cob-construction bus shelter. A bus shelter like no other, it was a project of Permaculture Powell River and boasts flower pots and even a built-in book nook which serves as a small community library.
This blessed bus shelter: rest yourself and read a bit while you wait for the bus.
Powell River’s only public labyrinth sits to the back of the property and offers a view of Townsite’s core with the mill and then Malaspina Strait in the distance. The grand opening for the labyrinth was held on Winter Solstice with a short ceremony and singing. It was chilly but the crowd of 50 or so didn’t mind. The labyrinth is a favourite place of mine that feels sacred and restful. It’s non-denominational and offers a little peace in a busy world.
A contemplative moment at the centre of the universe.
Since the Winter Solstice, two pieces of functional artwork in the form of driftwood benches have been added at the perimeter of the labyrinth.
The bench that Al built.
Near the labyrinth is a sun dial inscribed with the words, “Use well these few bright hours.”
On this day, while visiting Sycamore Commons, I did just that.
Just another day in Powell River.
Click here for more information on Permaculture Powell River or visit them on Facebook!
Angie Davey
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