Central's Community Garden was named the best Community Garden on the 2012 Charlotte Community Garden Tour May 5.  Central's garden was one of four gardens visited by some 90 people who participated in the second annual event.

            Visitors started at the Atherton Market at Atherton Mill and toured gardens in Wilmore, Country Club Heights, Central UMC and Winterfield.  The group gathered for lunch and a keynote speech by Henry Owen of Friendship Gardens at the end.

            The program for this event described Central's garden and wish list in this way:

             Central United Methodist

Central Community Garden , “ A Pleasant Place to Be,” was founded in 2011 by members of Central United Methodist Church , inspired by the leadership of Langston Denny. In its second year of operation, it is entirely funded, coordinated and operated by volunteers. 

This garden is unique in many ways. In addition to having a unique watering system that utilizes a natural stream, this garden has uniquely designed raised beds accessible to physically handicapped individuals, where they can sit to garden. 

With plot holders evenly divided between church and community members, there is great diversity among gardeners. They include single individuals, young couples, seniors, community members from apartments, workers in the nearby office park, teachers and families from Albemarle Road Elementary School. Families, including some who have emigrated here from Burma , grow a variety of foods and speak different languages.

Plot holders voluntarily donate produce to Central Cares, which serves families in need. Furthermore, some Central Cares recipients have become plot holders and now share with others.

Barriers faced in establishing this garden included removing a large amount of residual construction debris and raising funds. Leaders continue to work toward balancing organization and spontaneity--both needed to move forward.  According to garden contacts Jack Helms and Louise Woods, it was critical to take the time to bring interested people together to establish the purpose of the garden in the context of the church. Through this, the Church was able to take ownership of the garden, create the necessary guidelines and organization, and work together to make it a reality!

 Wish List: Gloves, shovels, hoes, mattocks, tools

CENTRAL COMMUNITY GARDEN

 

Join "Central Community Garden" to reap a "Harvest of Blessings." in " A Pleasant Place." The top three names in our "Name the Garden" contest perhaps most aptly describe the nature and purpose of our garden: a garden for church and community, providing fresh food for body and spirit to share and bless others, building community together in a pleasant place--inspired by a previous pastor, Rev. A. Pleasants! In first place was "Central Community Garden," with "Harvest of Blessings" and "A Pleasant Place" close behind!

 

INTERESTED IN HAVING A GARDEN PLOT?  READ ON. . .

 

There is still space available among the 26 plots which have been prepared for March planting.  If you are interested, read the attached guidelines and fill out the application to send with your $10 fee to Lindsey Moss.  You are only obligated to take care of your space, respect the space of others and enjoy your summer experience and fall harvest.  Questions: call Lindsey Moss at 704-756-9334 or contact her via e-mail at lmruss@live.com.

 

CENTRAL WINS INTERFAITH POWER & LIGHT AWARD