{"id":237710,"date":"2025-05-21T05:42:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T09:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=237710"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:29:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T14:29:47","slug":"community-gardens-and-beautification-festival-workshops-cultivate-skills-sign-ups-and-national-pride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/community-gardens-and-beautification-festival-workshops-cultivate-skills-sign-ups-and-national-pride\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Gardens and Beautification Festival Workshops Cultivate Skills, Sign-Ups, and National Pride"},"content":{"rendered":"
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CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT\u2019S APP GROUP<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>

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<\/a>About the Festival<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The Community Gardens<\/a><\/strong> and Beautification Festival, hosted by the Community Development and Citizens Engagement Division under the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, is a celebrated national initiative to promote community pride, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the theme \u201cThink Beautification for the Nation\u2019s Health and Wealth,\u201d the Festival invites citizens of all ages to engage in activities that nurture the land and strengthen community bonds. <\/p>

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Since its origins in 1951 as the Homes, Families and Gardens Festival, the event now features a Garden <\/a><\/strong>Competition, a Poetry and Research Competition, and a new Poetry in Motion category for youth ages 7 to 20.<\/p>

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<\/a>Free Educational Workshops<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

To equip participants with practical gardening knowledge, the Division offers a series of free workshops throughout May. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These sessions cover key topics such as pest control, budding and grafting, backyard gardening, and hydroponics.<\/p>

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These sessions cater to all skill levels, encouraging sustainable gardening practices and fostering a deeper connection to the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Workshop One: Pest Control<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The first workshop was held on Tuesday, May 13, at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre. <\/p>

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Facilitated by Dr. Janil Gore-Francis, Chief Plant Protection Officer, the session focused on Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s obligations under international plant health agreements and the importance of the \u201cOne Health\u201d approach. <\/p>

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Participants gained valuable insights into pest prevention, control methods, and national regulations. Many attendees also took the opportunity to register for this year\u2019s Festival, reflecting strong community enthusiasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Workshop Two: Budding and Grafting<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

On Thursday, May 15, the second workshop took place at the Department of Environment\u2019s nursery, providing hands-on training in budding and grafting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

techniques. This interactive session equipped participants with skills to enhance plant growth and promote sustainability within their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Workshop Three: Backyard Gardening<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The third workshop is scheduled for Monday, May 20, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This session will focus on sustainable backyard gardening practices, helping participants learn how to grow their food and contribute to community beautification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Workshop Four: Hydroponics<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The final workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Indies Green. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This practical session introduces hydroponics\u2014a modern, soil-free cultivation technique that maximises space and resources, offering an innovative approach to gardening in urban settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Join the Movement<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The Community Development and Citizens Engagement Division encourages everyone to participate in these valuable workshops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, these sessions provide a unique opportunity to build skills, engage with your community, and help create a greener, healthier Antigua and Barbuda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How to Register and Learn More<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

To register or for more information, please contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n