Community Garden kicks off third year

NORWAY — The Alan Day Community Garden welcomes the public to a Community Meeting on Sunday, January 30, 3-5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Norway.

The first order of fun will be a Bulk Seed Order where everyone will get an opportunity to order organic and heirloom seeds at greatly reduced prices. Also there will be a chance to meet organizers, volunteers and future gardeners, help create plans for the 2011 year at the community garden and have some delicious snacks and good fun with folks who are committed to creating a healthier community.

The three-acre parcel of land and its barn, located off of Whitman Street in Norway, was owned by artist and community leader Alan Day (1954-2008) and is currently owned by Alan's daughters, Emma and Ruby DayBranch. Alan envisioned the land as a community garden, and that vision is becoming a reality.

Last year, with the support of garden coordinator Rocky Crockett, volunteers produced over 600 pounds of vegetables which were delivered to the local UU church's free lunch, the Oxford Hills Food Pantry and the high school, where this locally grown, organic produce was served to community members. Volunteers installed a water catchment system, a composting system was started with food scraps contributed by Cafe Nomad, and a new deck was built onto the barn.

Meghan Anthony from Virginia Valdez' graphics class at OHCHS designed the logo and a sign was put up at the entrance to the garden. They started the year off with an Earth Day celebration work party and ended the year with a Harvest party, a fabulous garden feast and original music.

The goal of the Alan Day Community Garden is to grow food, educate and demonstrate different methods for gardeners. The project strives to use organic, sustainable methods to support an enduring local food system. This year they are proposing six work groups: Signage, Outreach, Design, Barn, Soil and Composting, and Finance and Fundraising.

2011 has, so far, brought eight families who are planning to grow their own food in the community garden. There will be much sharing of information, gardening, harvesting and preserving tips as well as fun. Anyone who would like a garden plot should contact Ken, Katey or Rocky.

Donations can be made by check to Alan Day Community Garden and sent c/o Ken Morse, Healthy Oxford Hills, 181 Main Street, Norway, ME 04268. The Garden will also accept donations of new or gently used rakes, shovels, hoes, manure forks, wheelbarrows, pruning shears, scythes, saws, baskets, garden hoses, and gardening books of all kinds.

Everyone is welcome to participate in any of these events. If you've been to the garden, come help plan a great growing season. If you haven't, come make some new friends who care deeply about gardens, community and food sustainability. For more information, call Ken at 739-6222, Rocky at 717-497-0625 or Katey at 743-2423.

Photo:

COMMUNITY GARDEN PRODUCE - From left, Emma and Ruby DayBranch and OHCHS principal Ted Moccia with food donated to and served at the high school last fall.