Snuggled behind Ascension Lutheran Church at the corner of Zion Avenue and 51S t Street we find the Allied Community Gardens.
This urban Eden was established in 2018 when Pastor Rick Fry and his congregation decided to give something back to the community.
Working with the folks at Benjamin Library the garden began with 14 planter boxes. Soon thereafter was increased by half again when Scouts from Troop 975 completed an Eagle Scout project by building eight more boxes and the information kiosk at the garden entrance. All the boxes have been in use by individual renters since inception with one now devoted to the work of Brownie Scout Troop 4665. More about how you can rent a box, or at least get on the waiting list for one, toward the end of this article.
On any day during the growing season you will find crops of onions, celery, tomatoes, lettuce, berries, peppers, eggplant, and other foods that thrive in our San Diego climate and that flourish in the rich soil that the gardeners have created in their planting boxes.
In addition to their plantings the gardeners maintain 12 fruit trees including pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, and kumquats. They erected a lovely arbor with a glorious passionfruit vine in memory of Garden Founder Kit Mickelson and her many contributions to the garden. In further honor of her work each gardener gives two hours a month to the needs of the garden and participates in quarterly maintenance of the grounds.
The Food Pantry operates at the church parking lot a couple of times a week and maintains a food distribution stand next to the sidewalk on 51S t Street. We mention this important community resource because the gardeners contribute the excesses of their harvests to the pantry. These fresh vegetables are so very valuable to those who rely on the pantry.
Allied Community Gardens and Benjamin Library partner
Since inception the garden has held a close relationship with Benjamin Library.
During the summer on Saturday mornings the library and the garden host “Storytime in the Garden,” arts and crafts, and book readings by the librarian.
The programs are focused on garden themes. A typical book might be “Bees, Bugs, and Beetles in Your Garden,” “Spring has Sprung”, and “Pine Cone.” The dates and times of these events will be posted at the library and on the Allied Community Gardens Facebook page.
On May 10 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Allied Community Gardens will hold their annual plant sale.
At most reasonable prices you will find an excellent variety of vegetable and flower seedlings, succulent arrangements, painted rocks, and other garden decor. The fundraiser is just in time for Mother’s Day, so stop by for something nice for Mom or in her memory.
As with any organization, it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to support the gardeners and to keep the programs in operation, President Kerri Matheson and the five members of the governing board could use the help from the community they serve. Our neighbors with talents in organization, accounting, and gardening – master gardeners in particular – are much needed.
To find out more and to check into a planting box rental go to the the Allied Community Gardens Facebook page or by email request to [email protected].
Turning now to the Benjamin Library expansion project.
In an earlier Mensajero de Mission Times article, by postings on social media, and with notices to the Allied Gardens/Grantville Community Council contact list we called on our neighbors to join the effort. And we had several responses for which we are deeply grateful. But because of your correspondent’s fat fingers and declining eyesight your information was lost, deep into the Cloud, never to be recovered. With our apologies we ask for you to submit your interest again.
As before, go to the website at aggccouncil.org, then to the “Contact Us” page, and give us your name and email in the form provided.
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