I have wanted to participate in community gardening since my freshman year at Rhodes. The on-campus organization for all things environmental has always been active. Rhodes opened its own garden on campus and hosted weekly farmer’s markets. When I thought volunteering, I thought gardening, and I was grateful to be able to spend time helping out at one!
The Thomas and Wells Community Garden is a relatively new venture, started earlier this year through a grant from Grow Memphis. The garden is visible from the street. I parked and had some time to walk around before Jessica (one of the site managers) arrived.
Jessica with one of the largest pieces of okra that I’ve ever seen courtesy of the Thomas and Wells Community Garden.
There were a variety of veggies growing: okra, eggplant, Swiss chard and a few different types of peppers. The chard was already breaking through the soil. The garden is in transition right now, being re-planted with heartier plants that can withstand the cold.
First we walked around the perimeter of the garden, collecting any trash. Then we focused on composting. The garden gets a lot of plant refuse from Ms. Cordelia’s grocery store in Harbor Town. This refuse breaks down to create some of the darkest (which I learned means nutrient rich!) soil I’ve seen. Jessica and I dumped the new refuse on broken-down soil and grass, and then “turned it” to incorporate all of the plant materials for more effective composting.
Almost done composting at the Thomas and Wells Community Garden! Whew!
After covering our compost pile with coffee bags, we walked around the various plots to do some light weeding. The gardens are well maintained, we just made sure none of the weeds were getting out of control. Jessica and I removed “chokers” from one flowerbed when she discovered a trove of sweet potatoes that had gone unnoticed the week before. She dug them out, and sent me home with a souvenir.
Near the sweet potatoes were hot peppers. Jessica let me try one, and even though I am a wimp when it comes to spicy foods, I couldn’t resist! It was delicious.
The spicy pepper that I tasted, grown with love in the Thomas and Wells Community Garden.
The plot we worked was open to the community for planting, and the community was the main force behind its success. I was happy to really get my hands dirty and learn about gardening as well as the role and importance of community gardens.
I was impressed by the dedication of the volunteers and community in establishing and sustaining the garden. I also learned the enjoyment fresh, organic veggies and herbs can bring when you help grow them.
As far as this garden is concerned, you reap what you sow. I was only there for a short time, so I got a sweet potato and a bite of pepper. But this community is getting a lot more.