Plant City has a botanical garden. Did you know? And attached to that botanical garden is a fabulous opportunity for this city. It’s a community garden: The Commons Community Garden. It’s more than a decade old, and most people don’t even know it exists.
Wondering where it is?
It’s right next to HCC. In fact, HCC owns it and has a contract with them. A board member we interviewed shared that the contract allows that if they “brought it back to its original glory” and cared for the botanical garden, then they could also utilize the space they have converted into a community garden.
The botanical garden was very overgrown, and they said they spent the first year weeding. “It was in really bad shape,” they agreed.
Originally, the space being used as the community garden was a rose experiment. They were studying which species of roses would do best in the Florida climate, “with minimal attention.”
Now this space has a number of raised beds.
Each bed is assigned to someone with a membership. Memberships are $50 a year plus seasonal volunteer hours. This membership includes a raised bed, soil, timed irrigation, compost, access to the seed bank, and plenty of opportunities to learn and serve.
Reserve a bed and feed your family.
They used to have an aquaponics set up, too. That’s another story.
I asked about it when I went to interview Sharon Spires and Nancy Ham because I noticed it was gone. I got the story. But it’s one you’ll have to get for yourself.
Anyway, we sat in a lovely, shaded area overlooking the collards, brussels sprouts, and nasturtium near the grapevine arbor and tunnel. The jasmine wafted through the air. It truly was a beautiful day for an outdoor meeting.
Our conversation was casual and comfortable. I appreciated that and believe that those who choose to invest in this opportunity will find a wealth of valuable information in both of these ladies. And a camaraderie that happens when work is a shared burden instead of an individual one.
They have both been involved in this garden since its first location across the street from the church. They saw the garden at its prime and have seen it at its worst. Yet, they have not lost hope in the immense value that exists within it. And now, more than ever, people in Plant City need to take advantage of the resources being offered here.
There is very little excuse not to be growing something edible in these trying times. Even those who do not have yard space could put $50 in for a year of gardening and growing. Florida has super long growable seasons, and they are giving you everything to start and be successful. Plus, all the years of gardening tricks and hacks that are being offered to you by these devoted women. Priceless.
People are seriously missing out by ignoring the existence of this peaceful oasis. It’s open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The botanical gardens have trails that add up to a mile walk. You could take your after-dinner strolls through the shaded gardens and see the giant grapevine trellis tunnel, while enjoying the sweet scent of jasmine.
You could come down with a book and sit and read on the swings and benches throughout the property. We discussed it being a beautiful place for people who love to “en plein air” paint. You’re welcome to bring your easel.
I did take a small stroll after talking with Sharon and Nancy. Obviously, the grapevines are very impressive, since I keep mentioning them, but more impressive is the plans that they shared with me.
I will share one with you.
At the end of May, the 31st to be exact, they will be having a community event. It’s free and will be offering live music, arts and crafts for kids and adults, games, cornhole, and refreshments. This is a family-friendly event. With the way things are right now, having a free event in a beautiful location is so welcome. I’m looking forward to it.
We discussed other ideas, like a place for homeschool groups to come and learn about gardening. What a great way to provide some agricultural and life experience to homeschool kids and other service-oriented groups.
Sharon is there daily, and Nancy is not far behind. They are board members and are very invested in ensuring that all programs there are successful.
Because the garden is a 501c3 your donations are tax-deductible. But also, they can give community service points for those assigned and those working towards licensures and diplomas. There’s always work to be done on the grounds, and people of all ages are welcome to join them.
“It’s all volunteers. Nobody gets a paycheck. People with energy and ideas are welcome to come help bring the ideas to fruition.” They need those people to show up. Most recently, they have added four new members, some of whom are from the Audubon & Florida Native Plant Societies. This is the kind of exposure Plant City’s Botanical and Community Gardens needs.
Go Visit.
