Each year, the Community Garden offers eight 10’x15’ organic
plots to LBCC students, staff or local citizens. The plots are first come, first serve and there
is a $50 fee each year that provides water service for the plot. Other services are available to the community
gardeners by LBCC students and staff who
work on the farm during the summer provide help with tilling, weed control and
mulching if needed.
Mariam Edell, who manages the Farm and Community Garden,
advertises the available plots at the college and through Craig’s List and the
OSU Extension’s Newsletter, though most plots remain with the same people year
after year with one or two plot turnover.
"The plots remain in the same hands, year after year, with very little turn over. The community garden is life a family, everyone knows one another," said Edell.
The LBCC Community Garden began several years ago, when the Farm
received grant funds to support the farm. As part of the agreement, the college was to
provide garden plots available to the community. Edell who has a passion for gardening, enjoys
the opportunity to help the local gardeners understand sustainable gardening
and importance of healthy food choices.
"As part of our grant, we [had] to offer something to the community and the garden was the perfect fit. It is a working example of what we teach in our classes," said Stefan Seiter, head of the Agricultural Science department.
The Farm is organic and the community plots must also follow the same organic policies and guidelines. If advice or support is needed, Edell is happy provide information to the gardeners. Gardeners harvest the produce that is grown in the individual plots for personal use, although sharing occurs among the other community gardeners.
“The community gardeners do a great job with their plots. Each is unique to the gardener. They are great models for the students to
view different philosophies in organic farming,” said Edell.
The garden plots are a great opportunity for those in the local community that do not have the space to have a garden. For those interested in availability in a plot for this year
or next, contact Edell in the Agricultural Sciences.
"It is neat to see the different plots and what people add to them. Each is unique in its own way," said Shawna Hermans, a LBCC student who works out on the farm as part of a work study program.
"It is neat to see the different plots and what people add to them. Each is unique in its own way," said Shawna Hermans, a LBCC student who works out on the farm as part of a work study program.
At a Glance
Where: LBCC’s Community Garden
When: Spring
Fee: $50/year
Contact: Miriam Edell
edellm@linnbenton.edu.
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