THE PROVIDER

by Sam Heath

If possible, the audience should be sitting on the bench at the entrance of the garden overlooking the plots and welcome signs. Calming music plays in the background throughout the piece.

Voice coming in mainly on left side of the headphones

‘Sitting on the bench’ sound

(sigh) Wow! Long day so far and it feels as though it’s only just begun! I need to sit for a second to catch my breath. Don’t get me wrong, I  love what I do! I love being surrounded by so many incredible people—some young, some old, some in-between—and to meet such beautiful people that visit [brief pause]—like you! But sometimes it’s a lot to keep up with, it would be nice to have a break just for a moment… Oh my goodness!! I haven’t even introduced myself to you, I’ve just been rambling on— I tend to do that—where are my manners! I am the garden you are sitting in front of right now. As you can tell I am a little frazzled. We have a big group potluck today so I am just trying to finish up growing some extra veggies for everyone. You probably have lots of questions and you’re lucky we sat next to each other because I am your gal! [BEAT]  See the signs that line the border here? Those are our welcome signs! [Breathe] They are in different languages because everyone should feel they belong here. Everyone deserves to have fresh and nutritious food to keep them going through this magnificent life! [BEAT]  I have only been here for 3 years. Long before I was even a seedling, this land was respected and taken care of by Indigenous peoples, including the Missisaugas of the Credit. This is their traditional and territorial land. This land is also part of the Dish with One Spoon agreement between Anishinaabe, Hodinöhsö:ni’ and other nations. This covenant centers on sharing territory, leaving enough for all and protecting the land. [BEAT]  I invite you to continue reflecting and lead with kindness and respect within this and all spaces. It is so important to bring love and community to this land. [BEAT]  I feel so lucky to be at the center of all this, there is such a feeling of community with wonderful shared moments that all start with coming together for food! Funny how that works eh? It often  seems to be the simple things that go such a long way. There is so much learning and growing that happens here. And it’s not just me just growing–the people here do too. (Yawn) There is so much I would love to teach you but I better get back to it-

Wait, I just had an idea! I have heard the best way to learn is to just do it. And then I would get a break, it’s a win win! Sorry, what I mean is that, you can become the garden and provide while I sit here and tell you how to do it!  We can switch roles for a bit. Deal? [BEAT]  Great!

Okay to start I suggest a stretch because you are about to get moving! If you’re comfortable, stand up and reach as high as you can- reach for the sun. And if the sun is not out that just means you’ll have to reach that little bit further. Streeeecccttthhhh. It’s so important for you to soak in the sun to get the strength for all the tasks that have to be done today. I provide for Guelph’s Onward Willow Neighbourhood food system and beyond!

Alrighty! So I need you to do my daily checks, go to each plot and make sure they have what they need. As you pass the silver bins, take a moment to stop at one and touch the earth for a second to transfer it a bit of your energy.

long pause

The air that humans give me always helps so if you’re breathing a little heavy, that’s welcome around here! [BEAT]  We have lots to get done so this has to be fairly quick! If you have a couple extra seconds do a double check of all the bins, then meet me back on the bench. 30 seconds! [BEAT]  Go!

Ticking sounds for 30 seconds

Great job! You’re a natural at this whole being a garden thing! After the daily checks I always lose my energy so face your body back to the sun and soak in as much as you can. Close your eyes for a moment and take a deep breath in, as if you are breathing in the sun. Gardens looove the sun.

I will only give you one more task because I miss my role as the garden. For this task you will need to bring your water. Go out and find the plant you think needs the most water. The soil will look a lighter brown around it and the plant will look a little sad. Okay, I’ll tell you the next step after you’ve found it.

Are you there? If not, don’t worry, take your time. Open your water bottle and take a reeeaalllyy big sip. Even more water than that, this plant needs a lot of water to be able to provide delicious food for the people that tend to it.

Beat

That’s perfect! Actually, one more sip just for good luck! You are so good at this, have you ever thought about a career as a garden? Okay… come join me back on the bench.

So you have learned about the work it takes to keep this going— sun, water and focus—but there is a big part that we have not talked about that makes me more than just dirt and plants. It is the people that come here. Whether they come everyday to tend to the food here, bring the food out to the community or even just come here to find peace, they matter. None of this would be what it is without the care and love of the people of Shelldale. This all started from an idea to provide to the community with nutritious food but it has grown into so much more. A place to find family, to provide comfort, to learn, to teach, to feel belonging. It is a place where food and community bloom.