Downtown Community Garden - Des Moines Iowa
Growing Together @ the corner of E 6th and Scott Street.
Where to put a berry patch? And other thoughts about expanding additional garden areas.
Hi friends,
Below are two images to refer to. I have some thoughts to share about expanding our garden.
My girlfriend Emily has some plants waiting to find a home (hopefully here at the Downtown Garden). She has Rhubarb, Iris, and Raspberry Plants. Here are my suggestions for where we could put these plants that would be community plants open for anyone to harvest.
Area (a) on the plan below would be great for many of our communal plants - example pumpkins, corn, or other plants buts generally set aside for communal space. The thing to caution about this area is that it will eventually face the SE connector street and the trail along it. It would be in our best interest to keep this area looking sharp and not invite complaints about a "messy garden".
Area (b) on the plan below would be great for the raspberry plants or other berry bushes. Just so long as we keep them in good shape and back from the edge of the main walkway. I think this spot would be great! Keep in mind that the water tank was located here last year and we'll need to either leave space for that again or relocate it.
Area (c) on the plan below would be great for the Rhubarb and Iris. We set aside this circle area during the planning phase to serve as a communal space for flowers, herbs, and other communal plants that fit in the space provided. I can envision a great rhubarb patch in the labyrinth area and the iris having a home in the rain garden area. I believe having these spaces is a real blessing that makes our garden so special. Allowing the garden to truly be a garden where people can learn about and plant all types of "growies" and not just a space set aside for individual plot leasing. I hope that the group recognizes the potential for these areas and we really make the most of the labyrinth area this summer.
Does anyone have other suggestions before we put any plants in the ground?
3D View: Suggested raspberry planting area in the triangle space on the left. Additional or relocated communal area in the bottom right.
Notice the four tree's shown with red check marks. Those are already planted. We had some great suggestions for planting Cherry, peach and other trees for the next row! See this discussion: http://www.gardendowntowndsm.com/forum/topics/additional-fruit-trees-at-the
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Peter Michael Sherinian on -
Thanks for your apology I to apologies to anyone who maybe upset by this discussion. I do think it is important that everyone understand our obligation to the agreement we made with the city to provide a bayback to the city and community around the garden. I dont think we should change that agreement just because we have more people wanting plots then are available, especally when you consider who much land the city of Des Moines ownes, and could be made into community gardens. Its enough to easily fill the needs of the Des Moines community. That agreement maynot be fair to those who were not at the meetings when we decided how and what we agreed to. That being said we still are under that agreement and I believe it is time to take action before the weeds get to high. We agreed to grow herbs and small flowers and small vegetables in the Labyrinth. We need to start that as soon as possible.
Stephen Foster said:I am sorry for how this thread went. I am sorry for making anyone feel uncomfortable. I am very passionate about everyone having a voice and everyone getting the chance to be involved and enjoy the fruits of all our hard work. I am sorry.
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Permalink Reply by Donna on -
I do not have a plot Downtown. But I am going to jump in anyways. I think what some members are talking about is Direct Democracy. Now, I have been all for this in the past and I still think it is a great idea. But ... you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. You can ask for all the input you want. That doesn't mean people are going to respond. I feel as though this is called Bureaucracy. If the problem is with Emily, Drew, or anyone else ... are you not happy that they offered plants for everyone to take pleasure in whether they eat the offerings or enjoy the idea/beauty? I agree that the majority should be asked about certain things but there are somethings that are just done. Does this make any sense what so ever? I can understand the corn problem and I agree but should the corn have rotted waiting for someone to take it?
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Permalink Reply by Drew Matthew Maifeld on -
I think many and perhaps all of us can be on the same page - -
What I believe may possibly be the most important thing for the group to agree upon is to act and make decisions in the best interest of the garden. Individuals will always have differing ideas and opinions - but the garden itself is our common thread and hopefully one that can keep us all together.
I have confidence that our group can move forward with positive and productive discussions that will strengthen the place for everyone.
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Foster on -
I am done talking about this online.
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