Three formerly vacant and overgrown city lots are now home to the Linwood Place Community Garden (LPCG). The LPCG is a product of discussions between attorney Richard Pertz and Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, president and CEO of For The Good, Inc. Mr. Pertz approached Ms. Harris-Lockwood about starting the garden project, which would decrease dependency on foreign oil used to cultivate and transport vegetables. Growing vegetables within the city decreases the need to go out and buy vegetables which have traveled thousands of miles, when they can do it themselves for free in their own neighborhood.
A personal dream of garden designer Harris-Lockwood's, the three city lot community garden features modern garden technology, making it handicapped accessible, and highly efficient. Raised beds not only save gardener's backs, it also allows for high yield gardening where seeds are planted close together to weed out the weeds. Composted horse manure, complimentary of local farms, provide a fertile growing medium which takes something in excess in the country and gives it value within city limits. There is ample space for wheelchairs in between the 32 raised beds (4'x16'x16î from rough-cut hemlock lumber), in addition to a pull through driveway for tractor/truck access, raised water tank, and garden shed.
The LPCG was remarkably successful this season despite a late start, planting in mid-late June. It was able to feed over 100 people this season, and is looking forward to helping the local community in multiple ways. In the garden, people of all ages and abilities are able to learn how to grow and preserve different varieties of vegetables. In conjunction with GroWest, a fellow not for profit, FTG provided canning demonstrations to community members. Additionally, dietary diversity, community development, community leadership and youth development has been introduced due to this initiative.
Attitudes on the block, around the neighborhood and throughout the city have drastically changed once seeing the success of the LPCG this season. Discussions are underway with the City of Utica and other other organizations for FTG to continue to be the leader in this new realm of high tech urban gardening. Urban gardens within Utica have the potential to create green jobs, as well as supply need produce for families and businesses alike.
The LPCG would not have been possible without Richard Pertz, and support from countless local businesses, farms, and supportive community members.
