Garden Club - July - A Visit to a Community Garden

Blueberries developing

Several members of my garden club have mentioned the community garden that they are involved in. Last year I inquired and found out there is a lengthy waiting list for this local plot and that is as much as I knew about the garden. Last night, under threat of rain and thunder, our garden club scouted out the 100 or so 25' x 50' plots which are available for $52 per year, with free use of easily accessed city water. Nobody was out weeding or watering on this stormy evening as we carefully explored the gardens--we treated the gardens as we would want our own to be treated, walking on mulched pathways while still feeling a little like we were violating these private paradises--and not even thinking about picking a raspberry or a cherry tomato! I was very impressed with the gardens, which are only 2.6 miles from my house.

A scarecrow?

A few plots looked neglected and weedy, and others were being developed with raised beds and nice mulches in the walkways. Here is a photo of a neat garden:

I have not had a good yard for a vegetable garden since the early 80's. I was especially pleased with the variety of produce that was being grown here, including okra, brussel sprouts and a beautiful variegated zucchini:

Okra

Brussel Sprouts

Zucchini with variegated foliage

Many gardeners include some marigolds, or other flowers for cutting such as gladiola or cosmos. There were also massive sunflowers, large rambling plots of raspberries and a few plots for just perennials--including a daylily garden in full bloom.

Sunflower

Emerging daylily

The night ended with refreshments nearby at what I call my secret garden. We hurried, because the drizzly weather threatened a downpour. The snacks are always the same and always good--cheese and crackers, cut-up fruit, home baked goodies, nuts and drinks. This time the nuts and cheese were combined in a tasty cheese log. I could have indulged more but we dashed to our cars as the drizzle became droplets. The next day my rain gauge registered 2 1/2 inches. It seems it's often all or nothing, but being a plant-lover and the self-proclaimed Watering Queen of the World, I almost always welcome the rain.