Sandpoint community garden returning

The Sandpoint Community Garden is back for an even bigger and better second year.

Last year, thanks to the plotters — the wonderful folks with garden plots — and the diligent volunteers of the Sandpoint Transition Initiative Food Group, we donated more than 1,000 pounds of vegetables to Bonner Community Food Center and untold amounts of veggies to other charitable organizations in and around Sandpoint.

We started with one-third of an acre of grass (the legal variety) donated by the city of Sandpoint at Dub’s Field , and turned it into a truly bountiful playground for seasoned and novice gardeners. At first glance, it was hard to imagine that a sea of cardboard, soil and shredded bark would evolve into a truly breathtaking portrait of community effort. It was gorgeous.

After our first season we learned some valuable lessons and have made adjustments. We are turning the communal portion of last year’s garden into 24 4-foot by 8-foot raised beds. Along with the existing 36 8-foot by 8-foot beds, we will now be offering 60 garden plots. Thanks to Mike Henley of the Idaho Forest Group, we are going to frame each and every bed. We’ve also added an additional water line to service the south end of the garden.

Wait. There’s more. We will be erecting our brand new Community Garden sign (see donations). We will also be offering workshops on mulching, composting, food preservation, and cool gardening tips.

Plots are now available and can be purchased by downloading the forms on our Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/sandpointcommunitygarden/. Pricing for plots — 4’ x 8’ are $15 ea. or two for $25. 8’ x 8’ are $25 ea.  You may contact Pat Wentworth with any questions by e-mailing her at pwentworth1@yahoo.com or calling 265-9828.

We still need some help. STI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and we need donations for 70 pieces of 2” x 8” x 8’ lumber to finish framing all of the beds. We also are asking members of the community to come play with us on Bed Building Weekend, April 10 and 11th beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Dub’s field. With enough volunteers we can complete the frames, paths, adding additional soil to the beds and more.

Because of many generous donations, the Community Garden lives. The STI foodies and all of the volunteers want to send special thanks to the following for their gifts of time, money, labor and expertise. You’ve all helped make this project the success that it is.

Zero Point & Idaho Stone — cedar chips, soil delivery

George Weaver — garden shed

Misty Mountain & Out of Woods — Brand new Community Garden Sign

Top Soil — additional soil for this year’s garden

Aspen Ridge Landscape — installing new water line

Ponderay Gardens — soil

Volunteers — for donating their time, equipment, tools and expertise

Idaho Forest Group — lumber for bed frames

Rick Price & Class — new compost bins

Sandpoint Building Supply — compost bin materials

Thanks to each and every one of you.

n Pat Wentwroth is the coordinator of Sandpoint Transition Initiative’s food group/community garden committee.