Community Gardens
By Wendy Silvius, Board Chair
Have you thought about gardening this season, but are unsure of how to make it happen? Or perhaps you would like to garden with others in order to learn and have a sense of community? Our region has a vibrant community garden landscape, and there may be opportunities in a neighborhood near you.
Civic Garden Center in Clifton has been making neighborhood gardening possible in Cincinnati for four decades. The organization helps to “seed” gardens in a variety of ways, including funding, acquiring land and training garden managers. They list their affiliated gardens on their website, and it is great timing to reach out and see if your garden of choice has any available beds for this season. The West End Community Garden is very well-managed and offers a variety of classes, for example. Any associated fees are usually low and manageable.
We have an increasing number of independent community gardens in our area as well. For example, the Mt. Washington Community Garden (which, proud mom moment, was started by my daughter, Emily Silvius in 2016) offers beds for 10-12 families or individuals every season at a very low price. The garden operates on land generously donated by the Yeatman’s Masonic Lodge and is operated by dedicated volunteers. You can contact the garden through the Facebook page to see if there are any openings. Walnut Hills has a thriving community garden scene and there are several gardens affiliated with the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation. More information can be found on the WHRF website. Use the contact information provided on their website to reach out for more details. Madisonville is another neighborhood with many gardens and a strong organization to support potential gardeners. At one time, they were supporting chicken owners and gardeners alike by funding both in the neighborhood. Check-in with “500 Gardens in Madisonville” and “500 Chickens in Madisonville” via their Facebook pages to see what types of opportunities they are offering this season.
Have you noticed common spaces in your apartment complex, or on blighted or unused land near you? Perhaps you want to consider “Guerilla Gardening?” There is a global movement of people who want to see food produced on unused public and private land, and you could consider initiating this use of vacant dirt if you already have some gardening experience and are willing to take the lead. When I noticed some empty raised flower beds in the courtyard of my condo building last year I reached out to our homeowner’s association. My idea to plant the space was warmly received, and we decided on herbs and small vegetables. I got a few neighbors together and we had a wonderful time growing in the courtyard and creating access to fresh herbs- right by the BBQ grill! We also received many thanks from neighbors for making the space more inviting and cheerful. You might be surprised to find out that, what at first presents as a problem for the neighborhood can become a site for community-building and beautification, as well as bring you joy and fresh food for a season.
These courtyard bed spaces weren’t being planted, but all it took was volunteering and a couple of friends to perk up the space and provide fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs for the season, alongside some flowers.
However you decide to get involved in growing your own food, we applaud you. If this article prompts you to get growing this year, take some photos and tag us on social media. We are on Instagram as @slowfoodcincinnati and on Facebook @SlowFoodCincy. We would love to cheer you along and celebrate your gardening this year.
