by Phillip Zema
The community garden at the Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon is flourishing. The weather has been conducive for growing crops, and those who invested in a garden are likely to reap a substantial yield – natural factors permitting. The benefits of the community garden are two-fold. On the one hand it provides an opportunity for people to grow a garden; on the other, it helps those facing difficult times, as part of the garden’s yield is donated to Charlie’s Pantry, the local food pantry in New Lebanon.
In its second year, the garden has expanded considerably. Residents from all over the area – Stephentown, Canaan, Nassau and New Lebanon – have purchased segments of the garden. Residents must pay a small membership fee to use a section of the garden ($15 for a 20’x20’ garden and $25 for a 20’x40’), and they are required to purchase, plant and harvest the crops themselves. If necessary the garden can expand, and the Church has the land to accommodate anyone interested in starting a garden.
A small portion of each member’s yield must go towards Charlie’s Pantry. Those who purchase a section are responsible for weeding and harvesting their portion of the garden. The garden is strictly organic, and all inorganic chemicals are prohibited. When necessary, certain organic, non-toxic products may be used. Each gardener is given the freedom to plant any fruit, vegetable or cut flower he or she wishes – so long as it is properly maintained. The garden is completely fenced-in, and each sub-plot has its own unique characteristics. The garden is frequently watered as well. The plants are thriving, whether they are tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, squash or cut-flowers.
The Immaculate Conception Church’s congregation has played a substantial role in the garden’s genesis. The Church’s senior ministry group largely spearheaded the project. Many community members, however, lent a recognizable hand in the process. Dream Builders generously plowed the land and did so without asking for any compensation. Larry Benson provided manure from his farm, which provided the garden with invaluable nutrients. Students from Berkshire Farm sowed a myriad of crops in the garden and will donate the harvest to Charlie’s Pantry. The Knights of Columbus will also donate the produce from its garden to the Pantry.
The garden is not designed to make a profit or to compete with local businesses. It is meant to help meet the needs of many area residents. The garden provides people with land, and it yields produce for the less fortunate. The fees are invested towards sustaining the garden, e.g. creating a protective fence or inserting a more efficient irrigation system. As Pat Leavenworth put it, “The garden is here to serve the community.”
Also, the Church is striving to keep membership fees constant from year to year.
Leavenworth encourages anyone interested in purchasing a lot for next year to call 518-794-9153. Although it is too late to take part in the garden this year, there will likely be an informational meeting as early as next February. She encourages those interested to take a look for themselves and decide if they want to take part in the community garden.
