There is a new community garden starting in your neighborhood, “The Mexico Beach, Florida Community Garden”. The Community Garden was formed by a board of directors whose mission will be to build community through gardening–creating a space for people to come together to grow food and flowers, in addition to sharing gardening techniques and recipes. The garden will provide a unique opportunity for our residents to grow food and for each of us to share in the incredible experience of nurturing a seed into a fully grown plant.
Up to this point in time, the Board of Directors have researched potential locations, developed the design for the garden, and a gathered a strong contingent of gardeners in the process. The City Council was approached with the idea of partnering on the community garden concept and, on October 8th, they approved the use of the land in the center of the walking path at the “Under the Palms Park” on 7th Street. In addition to the Council’s approval for the use of the land, they also agreed to donate water (up to a maximum of $200 per year) for irrigation purposes. The Board of Directors is deeply grateful for the willingness of the City Council to assist with this community project!
However, in order to establish the garden, the Board of Directors needs your help and the generosity of the community. The first phase of the garden will require approximately $4000; these funds will be utilized to construct the raised beds, purchase soil and compost, common tools, a citrus tree for shade and the irrigation system required for the garden. Ultimately, the Board of Directors desires to raise about $7000 in order for the garden to be truly self-sustaining, to last for many generations, and to be available for the maximum number of members and families. Obviously, no garden can be successful without gardeners so, if you are interested in joining this project and growing your own vegetables and/or flowers, feel free to contact any of the individuals listed at the end of this article (members of the garden will make small annual contributions of $50 to ensure that the land, soil and plants are maintained in an organic and sustainable manner).
If you would like to donate to the Mexico Beach, Florida Community Garden, it is a non-profit organization and the Board will provide you a receipt for your donation to use for tax purposes. Any donation amount, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated. Donations of $200 or more will be recognized in the garden. Our goal is to raise enough funds to have 12 raised beds available for the early spring 2014 planting season. You can make checks payable to The Mexico Beach, Fl Community Garden and can mail them to 411 Texas Drive, Mexico Beach, Florida 32456 or deliver it in person to anyone on the board of directors: Maggie Boozer, Nathan Marcotte, Tammy McGee, Jamie Owsiany or April Wisdom.
Thank you for your consideration and support, Your Community Garden Team
Information and image provided by April Wisdom.