Work on Dearborn's Newest Community Garden Underway

Residents on Williamson Street in Dearborn are breathing new life into an empty plot of land that was once the site of a blighted, dilapidated home.

Construction of a community garden located on a 30-foot lot directly south of 7448 Williamson St. will take place on Saturday.

"We have an exciting plan to develop the entire lot into a high yield vegetable garden and social center," said Caleb Lucas, executive director of Neighborhood Growth Initiatives.

Lucas said starting the new community garden required the joining of several partnerships that will result in the accomplishment of a greater goal. The impact of the final product, he said, makes the effort worthwhile.

The nonprofit is working with John Cascardo and the Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations, along with local resident Greg Norwood, to facilitate the garden project. In addition, Neighborhood Growth Initiatives recently received a grant from Indiana-based International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) to fund the project.

“Gardening is such a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise,” Norwood said. “Community gardens teach our families and kids the importance of eating healthy."

The garden will feature 35 garden beds approximately 4 feet by 4 feet in diameter. The beds can be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will feature everything from tomatoes and peppers, to cucumbers, peas and cabbage.

"Our grant allowed us to purchase 200 different types of vegetable seeds," Lucas said.

The group also plans to utilize the remainder of the space for a tiered herb garden and shady outdoor lounge area for residents to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or lemonade while visiting the community garden.

As garden manager, Norwood said he has not yet determined how the individual beds will be rented.

"There will be no charge to use the garden," he said. "We'll probably put up a schedule to let people know what's available. We're not going to turn anyone away."

To help sustain the garden, Norwood said users will be asked to sign a memorandum of understanding and agree to keep the land clean, provide water for the garden beds, and help volunteer throughout the year.

"Our goal is to make this garden a flagship model in order to show the city and our neighborhoods the potential for other vacant lots," he said.

While the garden will initially follow a "take what you need" approach to the crops grown on the individual beds, Norwood said a system will also be set up for users who do not want others to disturb their area of the garden.

"Once we know how many people are interested than we can come up with a better honor system," he said.

Norwood and members of Neighborhood Growth Initiatives will be at the property on Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. installing the 35 garden beds. Anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to stop by and volunteer or inquire about the project.

For more information, email Caleb Lucas at caleb@ngidearborn.com.