Beall's Hill Community Garden at Centenary: All the Hard Work Paid Off

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In the fall of 2008 Macon Roots, an organization which promotes community gardening in Macon, started a conversation between the Beall's Hill Neighborhood Association and Centenary Church about creating a neighborhood garden. The establishment of a community garden within Beall's Hill was an unspoken yet longstanding dream of both the Neighborhood Association and Centenary.

Beall’s Hill is a unique neighborhood in Macon, Georgia. It’s a neighborhood in transition from a blighted past to a fully revitalized future. It’s a neighborhood with a diverse population in terms of race and socioeconomic status, and it’s also a neighborhood with a full slate of challenges and triumphs. The creation of a community garden is yet one more step in realizing the potential that exists in this neighborhood.

What began as a conversation about community gardening soon evolved into a garden plan. In February 2009 a planning committee was established, and a site for the garden was chosen. In the following month, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and the Knight Foundation generously provided start-up funds. With the help of volunteers from the neighborhood, Centenary, and Macon Roots, we broke ground on the garden on May 2, 2009.

The garden is located in the green space behind Centenary Church on Ash Street. With twelve raised beds, the garden is communal; this means that there aren't individual plots and the harvest is shared. Those individuals whom volunteer their time and energy reap the benefits: fresh vegetables and sense of purposeful community.

If you have questions about the garden or would like to volunteer, please contact any of the blog contributors below.

Our Partners

Beall's Hill Neighborhood Association
Formed in 2006, the Beall’s Hill Neighborhood Association (BHNA) actively advocates for neighborhood improvements and safety. The BHNA isn’t solely about safety, however, its other mission is to integrate long-standing residents with new homeowners and renters. To accomplish this mission, the BHNA holds social events where neighbors can meet and form relationships.

Centenary Church
Located on the corner of Ash and College Street and across from the campus of Mercer University, Centenary Church seeks to build community both inside and outside of the church. Centenary, as a part of the neighborhood, is happy to be a partner in the community garden.

Macon Roots
Founded by Mark Vanderhoek, Macon Roots is an organization which seeks to promote community gardening in Macon, Georgia.

The zuccini is producing! We were worried that the powdery mildew would wipe it out.

I saw Harry Eskew riding his bicycle toward the garden early one day last week. I believe he is checking on it in addition to the folks signed up on the Google calendar. It's great to have an experienced senior citizen to advise us and help out.

Some of the neighbors from Elm Street and around Ash and the men in the transitional house are enjoying the produce and helping with the watering. It' s a great time right now!

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All the Hard Work Paid Off

Thursday, July 16, 2009

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All the Hard Work Paid Off

Thursday, July 16, 2009

0 comments:

Contributors to the Blog

Local Business Support

Visitors to Site

Community Gardening Links