1. Make the entrance/fence area beautiful and welcoming, for both gardeners and passers-by. One of the gardens around here has raspberries growing *outside* the fence, with a sign inviting people to help themselves. The berries are easy to grow (hah! invasive) and having them outside the fence keeps people from trying to reach inside the fence (or that was the original idea, anyway). Herbs and flowers planted en masse on the edges will attract pollinators. Herbs are one of the best things to grow communally, because they are best fresh and you can pick the small amount you need for daily use, but if the plots are small they can take up a lot of space.
2. Mark the paths well and keep them well maintained, so that visitors won't inadvertently step on garden space and so that gardeners have enough space for wheelbarrows between plots. Well-defined paths and an open invitation to visitors makes the garden an asset to the whole community. I've found many people like to walk through the community garden, though they may not have gardens (or time to garden) themselves. Path maintenance is a continuing problem, so make it as easy as possible for gardeners to keep their paths weed-free and well defined. For instance, provide wheelbarrows, mulch, and scheduled work days, for gardeners who never seem to find the time for regular maintenance. 3. If you want to build community, shape the space to encourage whatever communal activities you anticipate, such as potlucks, seed swaps, bulletin board, plant giveaways, mulch/compost delivery, community composting, etc. Some of these uses are practical; others are community building. If there is a place to share excess supplies and harvests, people will use it. A garden shed is great if you have tools and supplies for communal use. At 2:07 PM -0500 2/21/08, Bill Dawson wrote: > Here is this weeks question / scenario: >I live in Columbus, Ohio and we have received a $1500.00 grant to improve a >garden at our church. We will also be accepting donated items for the >garden. We would like to have plots and communal gardens with annuals, >perennials and fruits, herbs and veggies. We would be erecting a fence for >that mental/ physical boundary of space. Community and church members, >seniors and children will utilize the garden as well as serving the food >pantry. Full sun. Water nearby. Could you list the top three things (and >why) that we should consider in design of this space? _______________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: http://list.communitygarden.org/mailman/listinfo/community_garden_list.communitygarden.org
