Community Garden Guidelines

Hey, I'm really excited to hear about this project and want to get some space to grow veggies, but can't make the meeting on Thursday. What do I have to do to reserve a space? How big are the spaces? What's the cost? Any info you can get me is great. We'd like to start planting in the next few weeks and can help with bed prep if needed.

Thanks

Hi Nancy,

And all of you who want a plot-

We expect to get all the details hashed out pretty soon, things are starting to happen! The individual plots are being planned to be big enough to provide for a family, of course those with more limited needs could find someone to share.

Right now the focus is on getting everything ready for planting. As this is a new project for us all there are still some things to be worked out. We all know that it is gonna be good!

Hey,

Has anyone looked at the "field"? It is half gravel and there is no telling what else is in that soil. Here it is the middle of May and it has only been plowed once. Matt Cooper should be more worried about feeling guilty about charging people for a plot of questionable land than getting his picture in the paper.

Local grower.

As a new member of the community garden, I am excited for the challenge and anxious to watch the growth of the gardens. In regards to the reply above, yes the land has alot of gravel but as everyone works on their individual plot, adds soil, compost, love, and dedication I am sure the gardens will flouish. This gravel lot has already come a long way and Yes, has a long way to go. Therefore, it is only a good idea for those interested in a good challenge, have an optimistic personality, and want to give back to the earth. With team work , there is no doubt in my mind you won't be able to recognize this once gravel lot as it will flouish into a lush, green, and unbelievable community garden. Everything starts with a dream and I dare you to dream BIG!

Hello Fellow Gardeners

Tho I am a new member here, I have been interested in the Leola Street Garden since it was in the planning stages.

I drove past the garden just after it had been plowed, noticing the gravel that had been revealed. Gardening there did not seem a daunting task, perhaps because I used to garden in an area of California where thousands of acres of land had been dredged in the search for gold. Not only my gardens flourished there, but entire communities developed and thrived on these barren foundations.

Now we have such folk as Pat Lanza, Lee Reich, and the inimitable Elliot Coleman telling us that gardening from the top down is natures way of doing it. Guiding our efforts to work with conditions that seem inhospitable to growing food and flowers by learning to disturb the soil as little as possible, creating fine conditions at the surface, sometimes in elevated planting beds, and letting the results trickle down, just the way nature builds great soil.

Gravel in the under layers goes a long way to help provide that good drainage every gardener desires. Only root crops really object to a proliferation of stones in their bed. Everything else sends roots happily deep among the crevices to enjoy a bounty of nourishment, air, and moisture.

Now, in this dreaming and planning time of year, let your thoughts turn to what plants might welcome the conditions in this part of the garden. Do a little research on modified and built up planting beds that spare the gardener's back, as well as creating comfort for crops less amenable to roughing it.

Community gardens have grown and flourished in conditions that make the Leola Street site look like paradise in comparison. These gardens do not just grow food and flowers, they grow gardeners, neighbors, friends, and communities. Nourishment for the spirit and soul abound, and stimulation for the creative side of our beings is abundant in such an environment.

With an appreciation for the winter rest, and equal impatience for the new growing season, I am happily browsing seed catalogs and looking forward to meeting the Leola Street Gardeners.

Lillian

Hi, Boone Community Gardeners,

Just wanted to pass along my encouragement to you and your garden. As a community gardener (Reedy Creek Park Community Garden) working to expand community gardening in Charlotte and throughout the Carolinas, I find great inspiration and 'common ground' in your posts.

I belong to and work with a Canadian/US community gardening advocacy group, the American Community Gardening Association. They can be found at www.communitygarden.org. Good non-profit outfit with good info - it is nice to find out how other folks in CGs around the US and Canada (and world) tackle different problems. I especially like their listserv (you can sign up for free on the website).

Next time we drive up to the mountains, I'll try to drop by - and if you are ever in Charlotte, drop me an email and I'd be glad to show you around some gardens here. I work with a community garden for the homeless here (everybody who wants one ought to have a place to garden, I think) as well as my 'home' garden.

I envy your location up in the mountains, it is lovely there. Plus, bet you can grow lettuce in mid-summer!

Don Boekelheide
Charlotte, NC

I'm interested in renting a space. How much does it cost?

Thanks

Kate

Hi Kate,

I don't know the space rental right now, but you can contact Matt Cooper or stop by on the first workday on March 15. Also, if you happen to drive by and see someone there, they may have some info about it.

Sorry I can't help more, I will try to get some info soon.