Community gardens are created in many cities across the United States for residents to enjoy. These gardens provide the opportunity for residents to plant and harvest their own organic produce. The city of Portland, Oregon, currently offers residents thirty different community garden sites. If you are considering joining a Community Garden in the Portland area then this information may be useful to you.
Portland started out with just three community gardens back in 1975. The number of gardens gradually grew, however some of the gardens had to be shut down. The Reed Community Garden for example was in existence for thirty years until it was shut down because the land was taken over in order to build dormitories. These community gardens are funded by government grants, capitol funding, as well as unsolicited donations from Portland residents.
Community gardens in the Portland area are rather popular. Most gardens have a waiting list. Gabriel Community Garden for example has a waiting list of 35 people. The developers of these community gardens are working on expanding existing gardens and plan on opening more gardens in the area. These new gardens will be built at locations where there will be no threat of the property being taken over. Each year approximately 10% of members leave these community gardens making room for new members.
If you have children there are different programs offered at various community gardens throughout the Portland area. These programs are free for children and exist at three different locations. Fulton, Woodlawn, and Lents Community Gardens all offer free gardening programs for children which operate during the spring, summer, and fall months. You can find more information on these children’s programs on the Friends of Portland Community Gardens, the link can be found under the resources tab. The Friends of Portland Community Gardens will also be starting a program for teens, Hit the Dirt, which is set to start sometime in the spring. For more information about the teen program you can send an email to [email protected].
The cost of joining a Portland Community Garden is just $45/year, with a $10 deposit, for a 20×20 plot. This is a very reasonable rate, breaking down to just $3.75/month for fresh organic produce you can grow yourself.
Some of the Portland Community Gardens offer different demonstrations on site. You can view a small fruit demonstration at the Brentwood Community Garden site, a compost demonstration at the Fulton Community Garden site, and some gardens also give you the chance to view local wildlife.
You can visit the City of Portland, Portland Parks and Recreation’s website, link included in resources, for a map and a complete listing of Community Gardens in the Portland area. The largest of the Portland area Community Gardens is the Fulton Community Garden, which is located at SW 3rd Ave. and Miles St. Community Gardens located in the SE & NE areas of Portland typically have the longest waiting lists. Two Community Gardens have a few plots still available. These gardens are the Senn’s Community Garden located at NE 122th Ave. and Prescott St., and Boyles Community Garden located on 110th and SE Francis.
For more information on Portland Community Gardens you can visit the links provided under resources. Community Gardens benefit the whole community and are a great way for apartment dwellers and those with small backyards to enjoy their own garden space. Consider joining a Community Garden today and start reaping the benefits of a healthier lifestyle by growing and preparing your own organic produce.
Reference:
- Friends of Portland Community Gardens www.getdirtypdx.org/facts.htm
