Keeping it real.

That's the plan a local gardening group has to grow only organic plants in its three community gardens.

At their last meeting, held on Feb. 20, members of the New Westminster Community Gardening Society unanimously passed a resolution to keep their gardens free of genetically-engineered crops.

"Because of the unknown consequences of GE seeds, we have decided to stick with traditional organic methods for growing food," said the society's co-chair, Kathleen Somerville, in a press release.

Also known as genetically-modified organisms or GMOs, genetically engineered seeds are not necessary to produce a bountiful crop, and, due to the natural dispersion methods of seeds, they cannot be contained to one person's plot, according to the society.

All three of the society's gardens - located in Simcoe Park and on the lawns of St. Mary the Virgin church in Sapperton and St. Barnabas' church uptown - are already organic and pesticide-free.

These gardens provide a variety of plants, including flowers, fruit trees, berry bushes, corn, squash, kale, beans, tomatoes and many herbs, which are harvested for community members and food banks.

The gardens bring together groups such as Power, the Elizabeth Fry Society and the Girl Guides of Canada, to garden together and to increase community connection, according to the society.

For more information about the New Westminster Community Gardening Society visit www.nwcgs.ca or call 778-372-1333.

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