Our 2025 Demo Plots
As you enter the Coquitlam River Community Garden from the main parking lot, there are eleven small plots near the Gazebo that are set aside for ‘demo plots’. These are tended each year by gardeners who plant a variety of demonstration plants, or employ various gardening techniques, different seed and varietal options, and just plain interesting gardening ideas.
There is also a children’s garden next to the pagoda.
#1 - Perennials attracting beneficial insects
#1 Perennial attracting beneficial insects Oregano, Strawberry Clover, Phacelia, & Stonecrop all survived winter… Nepeta, planted 6 years ago, was one plant that did not make it. Nepeta (Walkers Blue), Phacelia, Oregano, Strawberry Clover, Borage, Oregano, Bee Balm (Grandview Scarlet), Dwarf Aster, Sedum (Dark Magic), Mallow, (Painted Lady Butterfly often lay eggs on leaves), Lavender (Munstead), Stonecrop (sedum rupestre), Curry Plant.
#2 Haida Potatoes
Likely brought by Haida Canoe or Spanish Explorers 200 years ago from Mexico or Peru.
#3 - Perennial Vegetables
Banana plants, rhubarb, lemon balm, chives. Micro-greens & succession planting of beets.
#4 - Soya Beans (Tohya)
WEST COAST SEEDS 78 days to maturity Native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean. The world’s most grown legume. Source of protein & oil Need warm soil to germinate 3/4 of soya beans are used to feed livestock.
#5 - Tea Garden
Garden has survived overwinter & a continuation of 2023 garden. Variety of herbs & flowers to make tea, and can be mixed with regular black or green tea. Lemon, lime, orange & sweeteners may be added. Caution for people with allergies
#6 - Celebration Squash
Unique appearance of vabrant mix of orange, yellow and green colours. It has a sweet mild flavour, a cross between acorn and sweet dumpling squash.
#7 Alpha Tomatoes
'Alpha' tomatoes, grown from seeds given by Harold Steves, one of founders of BC's Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), are locally adapted heirlooms that have been cultivated by the Steves family in Richmond’s Steveston community since the late 1800s. This determinate tomato variety thrives in Greater Vancouver's soil and climate. It is said to mature very early—well before blight typically strikes. With blight decimating tomato crops at the community garden every year, it will be interesting to see how Alpha tomatoes fare.
#8 Companion Planting
Diva Cucumbers with pest control onions & herbs around the border
# 9 Chia Seeds (Prairie Treasure Seed Company)
Fast germination, grown as microgreens (1 – 2 weeks) or as mature plants (120 days) tolerant to drought & poor growing conditions. Cultivated over 3,500 years ago in Mexico & Central America Mature plants grow to about 5 feet tall.
#10 Artichokes
This plot is a continuation from last season, one plant survived the winter Artichokes have more to offer than you realize. https.//www.healthline.com/nutrition/artichoke-benefits
#11 Anhocha (Bolivian Cucumber)
Purchansed from various Online stores. Cucumber shaped fruit eaten raw or cooked. Long sprawling vines with spiky green fruit.
