Re: community_garden digest, Vol 1 #203 - 1 msg

**H*@aol.com**

We are just beginning to rent out spaces in our new community garden - the 
first in Waco, TX.  Grants allowed us to revamp 2 city lots (1/3 acre) with 
the following amenities: a six foot green chain link perimeter fence, 20 foot 
of the street area is built up with hills and planted with permanent drought 
resistant materials which in this part of the country includes crepe myrtles, 
youpons, ornamental grasses and lantana. A metal sign informs traffic as to 
what the project is. All irrigation is underground: sprinklers for the front 
area and 16 sunken double nozzle hose bibs inside the garden area. 26 raised 
beds have been built with limestone block, bed size is 4'x10', 4 of these are 
higher for use by handicapped folks. Another 32 ground-level beds have been 
bermed up and are approximately the same size but are shaped in a variety of 
irregular designs.  There is a teaching area with a limestone podium and 
benches for 50, a martin house, birdfeeders, a pond, a large community herb 
hill, a toolshed and a small 8x12 greenhouse. We plan to install 2 
vermicomposting winrows in the spring. An area has been set aside for 
composting with all materials provided free of charge by our city's refuse 
dept. (we must pick up). All ground that is not used has been covered with 
thick layers of leaves with mulch over these. All tools, water and hoses will 
be supplied. In addition, any community gardener will can check out our 
rototiller and chipper/shredder for neighborhood use. A variety of classes 
including composting will be offered at no charge to community gardeners. Our 
fees will allow us to bring in experts, and will also allow us to provide 
spaces and education programs for little or no charge for our neighborhood 
schools.
Beds are being rented for $10 per month, a lease for at least 6 months must 
be signed but payment can be monthly. Space can be shared. We are using 
combination locks on the gates - all renters are given the code. Gardeners 
are expected to volunteer at least one hour per month for general garden 
chores. We have 2 co-chairs who will oversee the project during 2000. We are 
finishing up the buildings and have a waiting list of 14 with several 
prepaid.  There has been one nice article written for the local paper - we 
expect spaces to be taken in Feb.-March. 

There is still much to be done with organizing and developing regulations, 
etc. But, we are pleased with the progress we have made since starting the 
physical project in August. MANY hours went into developing this special 
space which is quite lovely to look at.  We are very excited about the 
potential for education and community connections that have been and will 
continue to grow with the gardening project. This was a project done by our 
neighborhood association (mostly the board members) and we were able to 
access $21,000 in grants and gifts to put it together.  Most of the work has 
been volunteer including a university workday with 34 sorority sisters (many 
had never held a garden tool!), Habitat for Humanity volunteers who are 
helping build the greenhouse and toolshed and a great group of neighbors.

_______________________________________________
community_garden maillist  -  community_garden@mallorn.com
https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden