Friday, October 28, 2011

Good things growing.



You are looking at a community garden in the making. The boxes were constructed by Port Orford Rotary, The soil, donated by community farmers. Seeds and plants, provided by the Garden Club. The land and water access, provided by the city council.  The boxes are available free of any charge, to anyone who wants them, one or two per household.

Each box will grow enough vegetables to feed a family of four, and possibly provide enough to can or freeze for winter months.  Granted, with some cooperation, those zucchini and tomatoes can also be exchanged for herbs and berries. The work is light. Access is universal, on paved roads, right by the city park, in the middle of town, a walking distance for most folks.

What I like about this program is the expert advice that arrives in the form of Master Gardeners once or twice a week. They share cuttings, demonstrate how sprinkling egg shells on the soil will prevent slugs from eating  tiny shoots, and assist with watering when someone is indisposed, out of town, or too sick to continue taking care of his/her box.

Some folks grow vegetables for the local food pantry.

If we only had such alliances in all towns, in all neighborhoods.

Fresh, home-grown vegetables feed the body and soul. Knowing that the community is there to support  everyone, makes all of us feel loved.

Community gardens, a good thing.
Does your neighborhood have a community garden?

7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful example of community caring and cooperation!

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  2. We actually have two community gardens...one located on a middle school property and worked by the students AND the neighbors. The other is on a church property, worked by neighbors and church members for the local food pantry. Most towns in our area have them and there is usually a long waiting list for families to get their own little plot. Whenever I drive past a community garden, even on travels, I automatically think "This must be a nice community to reside in!"

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  3. truly it is a wonderful thing.

    just last night even this late in the season for us, so many frosts in, the children bent and pulled carrots from the soil while we tossed the football about. i ate lettuce i was sure would be bad but was not. imagine - life like this for everyone!

    xo
    erin

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  4. With so many people now living in condos, apartments and other homes with little garden space community gardens are a wonderful idea. They not only provide food but the opportunity for people to actually garden.
    P.S. What's with the Boycott Women comment?

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  5. There is a community garden where I live in Calgary, but I'm really not sure who has access to it - it's surrounded by a fence and a locked gate!! I must call the community association next time I'm there and ask them....

    This is a wonderful idea, and so encouraging to people who might not think they have a green thumb.

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  6. I like the idea very much. Makes gardening more enjoyable and interactive. Moreover, the support from the master gardeners is a bonus.

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  7. Wow! This is so brilliant. What a fantastic example of community spirit. Just gives you faith in humanity... Hope this idea spreads far and wide and over land and sea!

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