Liz and I love to go running through the north Evanston Community gardens in the summer. Perhaps it is the fact that our bodies can stop painfully jolting and our lungs can fill up with air again as we wander but I like to think we are just awe inspired by the patchwork of greenery. Usually there is some eager gardener spilling their secrets and community garden status. "I've been here for fourteen years and I've overcome awful soil, inconsiderate garden neighbors who don't weed, and an occasional flood" they all seem to tell us.
Liz is braver and nosier than I am. She lets us into the gardens. We wander through the homemade gates into the small spaces and although we are in an essentially wide open space and public, I feel as though I am breaking in to someone's private space. We are careful not to disturb the large tomato perched upon a leaf that has been growing for weeks now with sole purpose to do this as it's job. A sunflower as large as a serving tray showers over us untouched. Liz and I dream about design and detail and we think that maybe one day we too can have a garden like these. I am hoping to build my own "community" garden in our backyard for next summer (if we can build an irrigation system soon!) .
Jenny's Top Community Garden Essentials
Part 1
1. A gate is incredibly necessary with a hand painted "garden" sign.
Perhaps a new project for me and Mayereli this winter.
2. A brick lined path with woodchips. Easy access!
3. Levels of cutting flowers mixed with veggies.
4. Chicken coop wire to keep out the bunnies.
5. A creeping vine skirting across the chicken wire & gate.
I am beginning to see a theme!
6. Here is a solid gate but I think I like a wire gate.
I'm going for that Alice in Wonderland tripping into a garden feel.
7. A terrarium in addition among the plant.
8. Easy hose access. Let's face it: if it's not easy it doesn't get done.
and being cute doing it! Whatever Ashley :o)
*Pictures taken at the Evanston Community Garden 9.15.11
