Three Canadian growers sought for pesticide-free gardening stories

April 27, 2009

As Canadians get ready to say hello to May flowers, gardeners from coast
to coast are invited to show the rest of the country how growing without
pesticides can create both a safe and stunning summer sanctuary.

The David Suzuki Foundation is looking for three brave Canadians to share
the trials, tribulations and successes of their 2009 gardening season at
it unfolds – from early efforts in soil prep and composting, through
seeding and weeding, to reaping the joys of their harvest. It's all part
of the 3rd Annual David Suzuki Digs My Garden Contest, which has become a
true Canadian perennial.

"Whether you're a gardening guru or a planting virgin, we're looking for
someone passionate about telling their story and learning how to grow
without synthetic chemicals," says Suzuki's Queen of Green Lindsay
Coulter.

The three lucky gardeners will be profiled on www.davidsuzuki.org using
videos, blogs, pictures and stories that are updated daily. With some help
from the pros, these gardeners will show the rest of Canada what it's like
to garden without the use of cosmetic pesticides – which were banned this
year in Ontario and Quebec and could be headed that way in PEI and New
Brunswick.

"Pesticides poison thousands of Canadians every year, even as they remain
some of the most widely used chemicals in the world," Coulter says. "Each
person who makes the choice to garden pesticide-free is doing something
great for both themselves and their communities. And we want to hear about
it!"

As a reward for throwing open their garden gates, each of the storytellers
will receive an ornamental garden gnome that bares an uncanny likeness to
Canada's best-loved environmentalist, David Suzuki.

Hundreds of Canadians sent in photographs and stories as part of last
year's contest, proving that gardeners can get their hands dirty and keep
the planet clean at the same time. To check out past submissions, or to
enter this year's competition, visit www.davidsuzuki.org/gardencontest.