Email: parkridge.community.garden@gmail.com
Phone: 865.465.9890
Mission
The current mission of the Parkridge Community Garden is to support the fact that: "the
future health, vitality, and resilience of our communities and planet
depend on a greater connection with the land, food production, the
planet, and each other."
Basically, this means that the garden creates a safe community space where people can grow healthy food, connect with nature, and get to know each other. The more the merrier! The garden will host workshops- hopefully each month, and garden organizers are happy to answer questions about gardening. If you have questions or want to host a workshop/event, or want to suggest a workshop/event topic, please contact us via email or telephone!
Basically, this means that the garden creates a safe community space where people can grow healthy food, connect with nature, and get to know each other. The more the merrier! The garden will host workshops- hopefully each month, and garden organizers are happy to answer questions about gardening. If you have questions or want to host a workshop/event, or want to suggest a workshop/event topic, please contact us via email or telephone!
Garden Resources
Beds
The
garden has a number of raised beds where community members can grow
food. Why raised beds? First, the soil has a high concentration of
clay, which is not great for growing plants; in a raised bed, topsoil,
manure, mulch, or compost can easily be added. Also, the soil contains
small amounts of pollutants (as any soil does), but some gardeners
prefer to minimize that through the use of raised beds.
Most beds are individual plots. This means that they are reserved for a household's personal use, and fruits and veggies cannot be picked from their plots. However, some beds are community beds; plots that are for anyone to harvest. Keep on the lookout for community beds!
Rainwater Collection
A
system is setup to collect rainwater that can be used for gardening.
Because of this, gardeners don't have to haul watering cans from their
homes!
Tools
If you are a gardener in the community garden, you will have access to communal tools that can be used.
Compost
A composting system is setup near the northwest corner of the garden. One area is for leaf
litter and plant materials (weeds, etc.); one area is for food scraps;
and others are to be determined. If you have questions about composting
you should contact our compost coordinator Bryan Alexander of knoxcomposts.com! (See our "Profile")
Mulch and Manure
Mulch
and manure will be present for gardeners to use or mix with manure and
compost. Keep a lookout near the composting bins for mulch and manure!
Seeds
While the selection is limited, the garden has a small stock of seeds that neighbors should feel free to ask about using.
Events & Workshops (Free Classes)
The
garden plans to host workshops/classes and events throughout the summer, so be
sure to check the Upcoming Events & Workshops page in our blog! If you are
interested in hosting a workshop or would like to request a workshop
topic, please let us know.
