I visited the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel recently and talked with Executive Chef Dana Hauser about their rooftop garden and about her plans for the garden. This hotel is leading the way in Urban Farming on a hotel level in Vancouver, the garden has been up and running now for several years. This year will see the largest selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in their garden. More than 60 varieties of herbs, edible blooms, fruits and vegetables are grown throughout the year, and provide savings of approximately $10,000 annually for The Fairmont Waterfront.

This spring/summer they are growing the following: Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaf, Lavender, Lettuce, Spinach, Garlic, Tomatoes, Basil, Apples, Carrots, Potatoes, Leeks, Onions, Chives, Kale, Swiss Chard, Figs, Chili Peppers, Grapes, Mint, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries,and more.

Each year they plant something different and new as a trial, and this year Chef Hauser was speaking about trying to grow mushrooms in the spent grain from their beer…. An interesting experiment!

The Rooftop Garden is located at The Fairmont Waterfront, 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver on the same floor as the outdoor swimming pool and is only accessible to hotel guests.

Stay tuned to my next feature in my Urban Farming series.

By: Richard Wolak