Community Garden Kick-off a Success!

Discussions about a community garden started in November. Through the winter, more partners joined the planning meetings. The garden is at First Congregational-United Church of Christ, 361 17^th St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  Partners are the church, ISU Extension & Outreach of Linn County, New Pioneer Food Co-op, Hy-Vee, Johnson Elementary School, Boys & Girls Club, Culver’s Garden Center and Greenhouse, Feed Iowa 1^st, Foundation 2, Girl Scouts and  Regional Economic Development Institute (RED-I).

This is a “community garden” but it has a different purpose and goal than most projects with a similar name. We will plant mostly vegetables, with some flowers to attract butterflies and insects, but the real purpose of the garden is to bring the neighborhood together. It’s just as much about “growing friends” and building relationships as it is about planting and harvesting vegetables.

This is not a garden where local residents will be assigned individual plots. Neighbors who want to help care for the garden are invited to do so through one of the partner agencies. For example, Foundation 2 may bring youth enrolled in their program to the garden to work on a regular basis this summer. Johnson School teachers may bring students to the garden to emphasize a particular lesson. Children who participate in the Boys & Girls Club this summer will help with the garden.

Want to get involved with the project?

Comment below or email amyschmi@iastate.edu