This spring Washington School Neighbors launched its third community garden site: the “9th Street Garden” just west of First United Methodist, one short block north of our original garden site on 10th Street. With the help of neighbors from all walks of life we installed twelve new 4×8 garden plots and some communal raised beds for flowers and herbs. We also planted a hedge of shade-tolerant Invicta gooseberries that will begin to bear in about three years—an investment in the neighborhood’s future!
In 2016 between our main two sites we offered 22 garden plots with 18 households participating. (Some families used multiple plots!) In addition to fresh produce, we also enjoyed social activities in the garden. We made mulberry jam, shared potluck dinners, and swapped gardening tips.
Farther west, our communal Salsa Garden kept neighbors stocked with tomatoes and peppers. We celebrated the harvest by making (and eating) fresh salsa right in the garden.
Going into late fall and winter, many of our plots continue to bear the fruits of our labor. Some even show new growth! Happy fall!
