INUVIK - With the summer half done, organizers at the community greenhouse are busy planning for the annual fall fair.

Inuvik greenhouse co-ordinator Kristen Wenghofer has been busy this summer with the community planting plots. She said the organizing group is planning for the fall fair and has weekly sales for the public. She also wants to remind people that they can contribute to the greenhouse compost pile, which is located in back of the building. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Greenhouse co-ordinator Kristen Wenghofer said the centre is bustling with people harvesting and growing produce in their plots.

"We've been busy with our garden markets, which is a good way to get fresh produce," said Wenghofer, adding that baked goods and yard sales also dot the calendar.

Wenghofer said the area for the market is located on the first level, just inside the door.

"We can make the area bigger for more sales if need be," she said.

Tables are available for rent.

A new element to the greenhouse is the gift shop, which is open a few days a week, from Monday to Thursday and Saturday.

"We sell things done by local artisans," said Wenghofer. "We have quilting, pottery, baskets all sorts of things."

Wenghofer added that most of the goods found in the gift shop are garden oriented.

"A lot of our contributors are gardeners, so their work has a garden flair to it," she said.

The greenhouse claims 15 per cent of the sales through the gift shop.

The growing season in the greenhouse was a few weeks late this year because of a lack of water run-off.

"We usually get our water run-off earlier than we did," said Wenghofer. "Some people started planting in the May long weekend, so it's been a while now."

The greenhouse is also still open for composting contribution.

Wenghofer said that anyone can make a donation by dropping off their compostables at the back of the building.

"There is a sign, just follow the directions and leave what you can," said Wenghofer.

The bins at the back of the greenhouse are all labelled, with produce and grass clippings being separate.

"If you have produce, put them in here," said Wenghofer, holding open a bin of rotting vegetables. "Produce is wet and helps keep moisture in, which is good for the process."

Ruth Wright is another person who takes pride in the greenhouse.

Wright said that she has been involved since day one.

"I had fun the first year because I had no clue what to do," she said. "I grew some rhubarb, onions, chives and I like them, they grow fast and you can smell it when you come in the greenhouse."

Wright said that between produce and flowers, anyone can have a good time at the greenhouse.

"You can start growing your flowers at the beginning of the season and take them home with you," she said.

Wright said that some plants are more popular than others.

"I grew raspberries one year, I think I was able to have one or two of them before they were all gone," she said with a smile.

"I guess everyone thought they were good too."

The greenhouse has served her well as a place where she can relax and enjoy herself.

"You can come by at any time of the day and have fun, it's relaxing," she said.

"You don't have to worry about dogs, cats, elephants, cars or anybody."