Brattleboro,Vt: Post Oil to Revive Community Garden

**a*@aol.com**

Friends, 

This is interersting - an outfit named "Post Oil," is sponsoring a community garden. 

Regards, 
Adam Honigman
Hell's Kitchen
NYC

Wanted: Green thumbs

By CATE LECUYER, Reformer Staff
Brattleboro Reformer

Thursday, April 20
BRATTLEBORO -- Grow local, save oil. Local sustainability is sprouting in town. 
People can sign up for a piece of land to grow whatever fruit, vegetable or herb they've always wanted to, but never had the room for. 
The plots are on Upper Dummerston Road, on a half-acre of land owned by Retreat Healthcare, and being leased to Post Oil Solutions, the group that's setting up this community garden. 
Jane Michaud, of Post Oil Solutions, said it will cost $20 per plot, which people are welcome to share. There's room for about 20 to 25 plots, each one 10 feet by 20 feet. 
Post Oil began handing out flyers in November, and interest has skyrocketed. Those serious about living off the land this summer should attend Saturday's meeting, from 2-4 p.m. at the Brattleboro Memorial Library, where gardeners will be given an overview and a set of gardening guidelines. 
"We're encouraging people to grow organically," she said. 
Post Oil formed last June in response to peak oil prices, and is devoted to advancing sustainable communities. The group promotes eating and buying locally, and depending less on imported food. 
"We realize there are a lot of people in Brattleboro who live in apartments and don't have enough space to garden," Michaud said. 
Post Oil has been talking about establishing a community garden since last fall, but couldn't find any town-owned space that was large enough. 
"There's not a whole lot of public land for a project like this," Michaud said. Members decided to ask about the hay-covered land on Upper Dummerston Road and the Retreat was enthusiastic about the idea. The plot of land had been used for community gardening about 15 years ago, Michaud said. 
Michaud said Post Oil is working on providing water, but expects people to maintain their own gardens, keep animals like dogs away from the fresh food, and use common sense and courtesy. 
For a groundbreaking ceremony to be held Saturday, May 13, Post Oil has arranged for draft horses from Fairwinds Farm to plow the field and kick off the planting season. 
"We're hoping this is the first of many community gardens," Michaud said. Post Oil is keeping a look out for any available land, and hopes the momentum will eventually carry over to gardeners, who can take on some of the management responsibilities. 

Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@reformer.com or (802) 254-2311, ext.271. 

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