Back Alley Rhubarb Calgary
As long time city residents, we’ve noticed there seems be a proliferation of back alley rhubarb growing in certain 1950s-1960s era neighbourhoods throughout the city. Our community fits that time frame, and yes, we need only go a block or two to find some. They usually appear deliberately and strategically planted and not wild, so what’s the story?
A search online brings up a few mentions of the subject but nothing in regards to the origins. If it occurs in other cities, we found no real talk about it either. So is this only a Calgary thing? Anyone? As avid alley explorers and we don’t just do it here but across the west (mostly searching for Bolers), it would seem so.
Rhubarb is not bad if incorporated into pies with other fruit, but too tart and tangy otherwise. It thrives well here and that’s in spite of the harsh conditions in the city. A perennial it comes back year after year.
The rhubarb seen here was found while doggie sitting at our kid’s home in Charleswood (established 1959) and while out for a walk. We saw it, a light bulb turned on and this stupid little post is the result. If you know something, drop it in the comments, because we’re curious and would love to know more. There were more patches of the stuff further up the same alley.
From our Cranbrook BC adventure a week before…
CPR #4090, #4469 & Elko Station, The Highway Bridge at Wardner BC and Devil’s Hole (East Kootenay BC).
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Date of adventure: July, 2022.
Location: Calgary, Alberta.
Back alley rhubarb – a Calgary thing?
This is a common sight in the older neighborhoods of Edmonton as well. I think mostly the plants just “escaped” from nearby gardens, and became established outside of the fence. Nowadays many of those old family gardens are gone, converted to lawn or patio… but the rhubarb still thrives
Interesting and thanks for sharing Rob. I guess I haven’t explored enough alleys in your town. Either way, it’s almost a guarantee (in Calgary anyway) there will be some on every block in older communities.