Winter Recaps (Continued)

Three of the properties do not, as of yet, have established edible garden space and will be undergoing different projects throughout the spring.

Centerwood



There is a lot of interest, support, and momentum from families at Centerwood behind a future edible garden space. I have partnered with Spring Into Bed! (SIB) this year to have three raised garden beds built at Centerwood in May as part of their Just Garden Project. SIB will provide basic materials (lumber, soil, nails/screws) for three raised beds, and I a have been working on gathering some additional materials before the Garden Build Day on May 14. This past fall I spent some time getting to know the residents and asking them where they would like their garden located. We then developed some design ideas, taking into account the tree roots and the slightly sloped terrain in the area they selected. Residents are excited to grow tomato, hot pepper, bell pepper, cilantro, onion, garlic, and lettuce. There will also be a weekly Garden Club starting next month to get kids involved in gardening and growing some veggies even before the gardens are built.

Holden Manor



Holden has been a tough nut to crack, and most of the residents I spoke to in the Fall had absolutely no interest in gardening, growing food, or even having a garden on the property. I finally met with one woman who is excited about having windowsill herb gardens in her apartment and possibly having a small container garden for herself on site. She has told me there is another woman who may be interested as well, but I have as of yet been unable to get in touch with her. The next step is to acquire some window boxes, potting soil, and herbs for the interested resident. I am also currently trying to determine the best location(s) for possible container gardens. The property is very small, with very few places that would have adequate light, space, and access to a water source. As of right now, I am thinking that a the planting strip (in picture) offers the best location, now that a permit to grow in these spaces is free!

One Community Commons



One Community Commons (affectionately called OCC by everyone) is also a unique situation in that there is a lot of concrete and not a lot of natural space. The apartment buildings surround a cement courtyard, which has 10-12 large metal containers about 7 feet in diameter (see picture). The containers are filled with strawberry plants and each one has a tree in the center, some fig and some apple. Currently, the strawberry plants in one container have been removed and soil will be added and amended within the next month. This will be the trial edible garden that will be the primary responsibility of the kids at the weekly Garden Club. If it is successful and greater interest is generated, the possibility to expand into other containers is definitely there. The manager also recently told me that there is one adult resident who previously gardened in one or two containers near her unit, but has not done so for the past year or so. I hope to connect with her as soon as possible and encourage her to continue gardening this season.