August 17, 2010

As Tom Hallman Jr. wrote in this weekend's Oregonian Community News: a southwest Portland community garden with a two-year waiting list is about to double in size. The Vermont Hills Methodist Church adjacent to the property is donating more than 7,000 square feet to take the 15 plots (with a waiting list of 61 people) up to at least 12 more spaces and two raised garden beds.

"This is a way to witness to the stewardship of the Earth, do something that is good for this community and respond to a need," said the Reverend Tim Overton-Harris.

Located at SW 55th & Iowa St, this garden plays home to the fruits, vegetables and flowers of a lot of renters and condo owners. Even so, a great deal of people with backyards in this area are lining up for a spot. "There are so many trees in this section of town that it's hard to find a spot even in a big yard to have a garden," said Dave Sexton who has gardened at Vermont Hills site for more than 10 years. "What makes this site perfect is all the sun".

Each gardener in the lot is assigned a 400 square-foot lot at $75 a year, paid to the city. They also much agree to maintain the lot and the common pathways in the garden.

Volunteer Opportunity

Join the effort to increase the land for this community garden by helping Depave August 28th from 9:00am-3:00pm for the first ever de-paving in Southwest Portland! Volunteers of all ages are welcome: Depave will provide you with all the necessary tools, safety gear, and water. Snacks and lunch will be provided as well. Due to the physical nature of asphalt removal, volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants and closed toed shoes, as well as clothing appropriate for the weather. For more information, visit their website: Asphalt Be Gone!  

Reference: Oregonian Community News "Community Garden gets a windfall of land" by Tom Hallman Jr. August 14, 2010