IN a city of gardens there's a mayor who gardens.
Darrell Mussatto is into his third term as Mayor of the City of North Vancouver and I wanted to know more about the character of the mayor who loves to garden. I also wanted to know if he practises what he preaches.
Here's what I found out: His garden is organically grown and he uses leaves as mulch. He uses some solar power. Mussatto lives in an energy efficient laneway house on a lot that is shared by his mother and father's house and his brother's house, exemplifying the medium density of infill housing that he promotes. He drives a fuel efficient smart car. And he grows ornamental and vegetable plants in his garden, some for enjoyment, others to eat. After learning about Mussatto's home and gardening practices, I sat with him and relaxed in his charming and comforting garden while we spoke at length about gardening and current issues around the region. Here are his responses to my questions:
Q: How long have you been gardening?
A: Since 1991, about the time I met you, Todd.
Q: Do you have any favourite plants?
A: I like many plants but two favourites are hostas and blueberries.
Q: What is your favourite aspect of gardening and why?
A: Being in the garden, working with plants and the soil. It allows me to get away, unwind and unplug from my busy life. It's healthy downtime.
Q: What is your least favourite aspect of gardening?
A: Doing cleanup after pruning hedges. You have to be very meticulous at picking up all those cut-off pieces of hedge.
Q: How do you think community gardens benefit society?
A: They allow people to reconnect with the soil. Those gardens are a great source of pride for people and very social places. You never see people fighting in a community
garden (laughter).
Q: Should developers be required to include community gardens in their development plans?
A: It comes down to a series of trade-offs. Some sites suit that use, others do not. Required by law? Probably not, but developers should at least consider the option when they are planning.
Q: Are the costs associated with municipal parks worth the benefit to society and why?
A: Definitely. Sports fields provide healthy recreation.
Street trees beautify the city and control storm water. Passive parks allow people some solitude. And parks are very social places.
Q: What type of development do you think should occur in the Upper Lands of West Vancouver?
A: I have to be careful here, but putting a village way up in those mountains seems a little tenuous. Building high density up there, maybe; but as for big luxury houses, in 100 years the big houses of today will be like the castles of ancient Europe.
Q: The North Vancouver School Board recently sold the Ridgeway Annex to Anthem Properties. Do you believe that selling school board property benefits the community in the long run, why or why not?
A: Yes if it's part of an overall community plan. And after all. we don't need schools three blocks apart. I also believe the school board should consider building a new K-3 school in Lower Lonsdale in a low-rise style building, not a sprawling one-level building as is the current norm in society.
Q: What is your opinion on the Port Authority's recent purchase of 80 hectares of farmland and future plan to buy up farmland along the south arm of the Fraser River and convert the land to industrial use?
A: Totally opposed.
Q: Why did the city pass a cosmetic pesticide bylaw?
A: To reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides and ensure the planet's survival.
Q: The city's webpage biography for you says you support urban gardening. Why do you think gardening is important to society?
A: Gardening is part of our social life. It feeds us literally and spiritually. And it's important for everyone - especially children - to know where food comes from.
Now for some fun questions borrowed from French journalist Bernard Pivot which should help our readers get to know you a little better.
Q: What is your favourite word?
A: Yes.
Q: What is your least favourite word?
A: Can't. Q: What turns you on?
A: Creating great cities.
Q: What turns you off?
A: Lazy people.
Q: What sound or noise do you love?
A: Train whistles in the distance (private comment and laughter).
Q: What sound or noise do you hate? A: Crows fighting (private comment and laughter).
Q: What profession other than your own, would you like to attempt?
A: Arborist.
Q: What profession would you not like to attempt?
A: Veterinarian. I don't like animal suffering.
Q: If heaven exists, what do you think God will say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
A: Oh, it's you (laughter).
Todd Major is a journeyman horticulturist, garden designer and builder, teacher, skills trainer and organic advocate. For advice contact him at [email protected].
