Members of Collingwood's newest community garden laid its groundwork.

The Cook Community Garden, located at the south ends of St. Marie and Leslie Streets, is a collaborative project between three local charities.

Free Spirit Gardens, Elephant Thoughts, and the Environment Network also started the EcoAction Community Garden last spring on Osler Bluff Road.

Matt Code, of Free Spirit Gardens, spoke about utilizing roof run-off. He says many people become frustrated with using rain barrels and explained that raising the barrel between two and four feet will create the water pressure expected from a hose.

Code calls vegetable gardening a "lost art."

He says community gardens and demonstration gardens help cultivate the art of growing food.

"People have lost that skill set and understanding of how to take care of themselves," said Code, adding the Cook garden is an ideal location for workshops for both local high schools.

He says another important aspect of community gardening is working together and helping each other be successful.

"The sense of community is also a huge thing," he said.

A handful of members were at the Cook garden Saturday creating a wood chip path between the 10-by-15-foot plots, which are available for $25 for the season.

Leslie Leeds is a Collingwood Garden Club/Horticultural Society member and has her own backyard garden.

Leeds says the community garden plot will allow her to grow even more vegetables.

"I wanted to meet people in the community and meet people who are like-minded," said Leeds.

The EcoAction Community Garden is holding a workshop on Saturday at 10 a.m. at 795847 Grey Road 19.