Community Garden Progress

Progress is being made on Byrd Park’s community garden effort.  Here’s an update from the organizers:

Byrd Park Garden Update–May 2010

We have great things to report, and much work to be done. Due to the location of a fabulous site for our Byrd Park community garden (2308 Idlewood), we are finally able to begin the process of site planning, materials gathering and other preparations to make this garden a reality in our neighborhood.

Preliminary plans for the site include:

• individual raised garden plots for neighbors to rent
• community garden plots with flowers and fruit bushes for us all to share and enjoy
• picnic tables to promote lingering and gathering in a lovely garden setting
• a children’s garden plot to educate and encourage connection with the natural world
• structural gardening supports such as a supply shed, compost piles and water source
• fences and gates to protect children, define the space and allow entry
• lovely and informative signs announcing our community garden to our neighborhood and the city!

Because our chosen site is owned by the city and is not yet in our possession (estimated time frame: late summer/early fall), we can’t officially break ground on the community garden yet. But our plan is to do as much planning, fundraising, gathering materials and organizing people as possible so that when we actually get the site, we can hit the ground running and build this garden. Because late summer/early fall is not an ideal time to start a vegetable garden, we’ll focus on building the structures and making great soil by using sheet composting. That way, folks can start gardening right away in the spring of 2011. Of course, eager and adventurous gardeners could always put some cold-weather crops in right away, if desired.

So, now that I’ve given you the update, here’s what I’m asking from you at this point. We need to gather all the resources we have access to in our community. Think about your friends, family, business—all the people you know (including you!). Look over the list of things we will need and see where you or someone you know could help meet this need.

people resources:

• landscape designer/landscape architect
• construction-minded folks to design and build:
• fences, steps, picnic tables, supply shed, compost area, terracing on slope
• lawyer to assist us in establishing nonprofit status
• graphic designer—develop logo, signage, design elements
• website developer

material resources:

• treated lumber for fences, raised beds, picnic tables, etc.
• rocks/bricks or pavers for flower bed edging
• soil materials: leaves, straw, compost, peat moss, grass clippings, sawdust, manure, etc.
• mulch/pea gravel for paths
• shed supplies: gardening tools, shovels, hose, watering cans, organic pest management supplies
• seeds, seedlings, bushes, bedding plants for community beds and terraces
• financial resources: amount TBD, but may be considerable depending on the water situation (the city may provide for this, and it may not)

We can’t wait to get this garden going and involve as many neighbors as possible. After all, it takes a village to raise a garden…or something like that! We look forward to hearing from you the ways that you can get involved in this project.

Thank you!

Leslie Hartman: ltomandlhartman (at) yahoo.com

Anne Worthington: anneworthington (at)hotmail.com