Well, technically, I’m not sure many actual roots have been put into the ground, but the Bigfork/Ferndale Community Garden is up and running.
Michelle Patterson tells us that 38 boxes to line each individual plot are down and there is still enough wood to make 20 more. She also said the cardboard has been laid down and the pathways have been covered in wood chips. The land is located adjacent to St. Patrick’s church on Highway 209, across from the Ferndale fire department.
The group works in the garden every Saturday, and here’s some more info on the upcoming weekend:
Saturday we can finish the boxes, lay cardboard, and finish the pathways with wood chips (weather permitting).
Also, Bill Clanton, a local farming expert will give a presentation at 10:30AM Saturday May 1, at Saint Patrick’s church in Ferndale and answer any questions you may have for him. As always, the workshop is free and open to the public. After Bill’s presentation we will work in the garden. If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll decide when and how we will proceed.
The garden has a locked gate now, but people who join will be given a key so they can work on their plot whenever they want.
Also, Patterson said the garden is hoping to attract younger gardeners to help establish a tradition of homegrown vegetables, flowers and friendships. Just as a personal side note, I think community gardens are pretty awesome; we shouldn’t underestimate the fun and functionality of growing our own food, even if it is just a little plot in a big garden.
For information on the Bigfork/Ferndale Community Garden, visit http://www.bigforkferndalecommunitygarden.com/ or call Michelle Patterson at 406-837-0982. The garden can be reached electronically at [email protected]