Who Planted These Veggies?
Sometime this past growing season, a little garden plot appeared at the base of the footbridge to the Fan. The beautifully mulched and expertly paired vegetable plants and marigolds are causing a lot of speculation. The primary question is, “Who planted these veggies?” If you know, clue the rest of the neighborhood in with a comment. 
There are a couple varieties of tomatoes that are currently bearing fruit, as well as some cute little poblano peppers. Is this an initiative of the church that owns the green spaces behind the corner store? Guerrilla gardening by clandestine green-thumbed landscapers? When the veggies are ripe, whose produce is it? Also, who is responsible for watering them? They seemed to need it when this picture was taken. Looking forward to more developments in this unsolved mystery. Are there more plots like this one in Byrd Park’s future?
I’m dying to know as well, Jason, so that I can invite them to our community gardening effort! It wasn’t me and I’m pretty sure the pastor of Sixth Baptist doesn’t know either because I’ve been in conversation with her about garden ideas and plans. So, keep us posted!
Me too! We drive past every morning, and I wonder about them! especially as I have a hard time giving mine enough water and they’re on a sprinkler system! Who is watering those plants????
Well, I was hoping an answer would come about quickly. Luckily, it has rained recently and the plants are probably pretty happy. Those tomatoes will likely swell up and turn red. So, the question remains, “May I eat them?” Let’s wait on an answer before poaching any produce. But, I do have some great poblano pepper recipes if anyone is interested.
Just two points Jason and all….the garden is on City right-of-way that includes the bridge supports so it is public land. The City could come plow it under but from what I hear the small garden is fine.
The other news is that there is movement for a Byrd Park Community Garden in the Park. The effort is being headed by the leadership at the Virginia Home. The City is open the idea but VOLUNTEERS are needed to help lead this effort. The plan is just in the early phases but maybe the “secret gardner” would like to lead this effort. The garden would be run like the others in the City including the new one at Humphrey Calder Community Center and their is hope it will be ready for next spring’s planting.
Great news about the community garden efforts. Our team of about 5 people who are also working on this will have to join the Virginia Home folks.
Also great news is that the land near the bridge is public. The church owns most of the adjacent property and may have other plans for it. Thanks for the tips Michael!
“secret gardener”… wish I’d thought of that.
Hello. I am the gardener. Same guy who tried a roof top garden. By the way, the unaltered rooftop conditions are not conducive to vegetable growth. Way too hot. The garden was a guerrilla garden initiative with plans for action on the Fan side of the bridge as well. I want to make the bridge more friendly and used. As well as start a conversation. The fruit is for whomever wants it and watering assistance by whomever is greatly appreciated. I would love to be part of any larger community efforts
I’m intersted in a community garden as well. seems our area is perfect for it. jay b – great idea. :)