The Garden Design

Brochure

These images were made available by the gracious and talented graphic designer, Liz Samuelson. Her work is creative and beautiful. Check it out at: http://www.lizorak.com/.

Garden Tour

The Survey

Grants We Are Going For

The Captain Planet Foundation
http://captainplanetfoundation.org/default.aspx?pid=3&tab=apply

Nature Hills Nursery
http://www.naturehills.com/green_america_awards.aspx

Fiskars Project Orange Thumb
http://www.fiskars.com/content/garden_en_us/Garden/Community

The Columbus Foundation Growing to Green Scotts Grant
http://www.columbusfoundation.org/ASSETS/2B9BA44F50AC466399D35653EEC9A110/Scotts.doc

Garden Co-Planners Unite Email

Hi, Ladies!

I am writing to you all because you have told me you are interested in being a garden co-planner and I would like to come together in the new year to get our garden going by May 2009.

I think co-planning can really look any way that works best for you and all of our busy lives, but I thought it might be a good idea for us to communicate what you want and I need to get this garden off the ground. So, far, I have been trying to delegate out a few tasks here and there as well as organize meetings. I don't want to overwhelm anyone, so I just kind of find something that needs done and email a description of the project out. Does that work for you? Is there something else you would like to do?

I was hoping to go over this at our last meeting, but we haven't all been together. Perhaps we should organize a coffee/tea meeting to talk about the timeline, roles, to-do's etc. What do you think? Maybe in January after the holidays? I know Linda has little ones, so I would be happy to come over there if that would make life easier. And, we could just make the meeting just for us (not the rest of SH), so no one has to do anything other than just show up. Anyway, let me know about that...

I have also been writing the grants. Here is the update:

1. $1500: Fiskars-Due in Feb 09, and has a second creative part after the first due date that I am a little nervous about! Linda is going to proof this one for me. I have asked Melody and Kim to think through connections we can make with our community to answer one of the grant questions. ((After the brainstorm, we will need someone to make those phone calls or write those letter. Having those supportive community connections will help us with this next grant, too...))
2. $4000: Scotts Growing to Green-submitted, but we did not get. Sue and I talked about some possible things to add for the next round of submissions in Oct 09. I really think we can get it this time AND Bill Dawson said he would look it over to help out.
3. $2500-1500: Nature Hills Nursery written and Roger Cherry is checking it for me. Due April 09.
4. $2500-250: Captain Planet: this is all about kids and environmental connection and involvement. Creating a kid friendly and educational garden is of huge importance to me. This one hasn't been written yet. Due March 31.

I have also posted a lot to the Sycamore Hills CG Blog so that this process can be duplicated by other communities and our own garden will benefit from combined reflection and action. Please check it out:

http://sycamorehillscommunitygarden.blogspot.com/

I thought it might be helpful to see the answers for the Fiskars grant I just wrote so that you can weigh in on any ideas/vision you have for the garden or just be inspired! That is attached.

Just so you know, Sue organized the garden tour and is getting the garden design digitalized to add to the grant. ((Sue, I have another version for you to look at if your friend hasn't done anything yet. I think it might be easier to go with a rectangular version of the garden. I came to this conclusion after I started really getting going on the budget and researched fences.I will scan that and send it out to you in one or two days.))

So, I think that is it. Check out the blog, read over the grant answers, and let me know about the meeting.
Thanks!!
Amy

Grant Questions + Answers

Explain whether this will be a new garden initiative or are plans made for an already existing garden. Include types of plants and garden location and dimensions. Include maps, diagrams, or drawings. Include the techniques or methods you will use (e.g. outdoor raised beds, outdoor containers, etc.).

This will be a new garden and community building initiative for the Sycamore Hills Neighborhood.

The entire garden creation process has been and continues to be documented on the Sycamore Hills Community Garden Blog, http://sycamorehillscommunitygarden.blogspot.com. The gardeners and neighbors will be invited and trained on using the blog to add their own writings and photographs of the garden. This blog will be linked onto the Sycamore Hills Residents Association website, which is in the process of being updated and improved by a very dedicated board of community members. It is the SHRA goal to have the SHRA website linked to the Northwest Civic Association website as a local NW Columbus neighborhood. The blog and garden will help other neighborhoods find inspiration and background knowledge to create their own community gardens.

The garden will include fruit trees, vines, shrubs, flowers, food crops, herbs and berries.
The dimensions of the garden will be 64 feet X 52 feet, with twenty raised beds, compost bin, water collection system, drip irrigation, and a roofed structure, surrounded by a fence lined with beds.

Each family will be able to sign up for an individual bed, and any unclaimed beds will be designated as community produce, including food for the local pantries under the program "Grow a Row for the Hungry." Some beds will be raised 4-5 feet off of the ground for older gardeners. The entire garden will be maintained and planted using only organic and environmentally sound methods and materials.

The garden timeline:
April 2008: creation of idea and communication to neighborhood
May: Share and collect information on garden idea with neighbors
June: Meet and discuss information gathered
July: ascertain formal interest and garden planners
August: prepare grants
October: garden tour
November: planning and design meeting
December: prepare grants and budget
January 2009: make community connections
February: Garden meeting
March: Establish garden care rules and regulations
April: Begin sign ups
May: Begin construction and planting
June: planting, harvesting, and maintenance
July: planting, harvesting, and maintenance
August: planting, harvesting, and maintenance
September: planting, harvesting, and maintenance
October: garden preparation for winter and post season reflection

Grant Questions + Answers

How will you involve members of the community in planning, installing and caring for the garden? How many people will be directly involved? Describe plans for service-learning, neighborhood beautification or entrepreneurial projects connected to the garden. What other organization(s) is/are currently, or will potentially be providing assistance for your garden? Specifically, what kind of support would you receive from each group.

The intention of the garden is to be completely for the community, and a huge amount of planning and effort thus far has been to involve and communicate with as many people as possible.

Planning activities and communications included:
1.Obtaining the support of the Sycamore Hills Residents Association
2.An introduction and proposal in the community newsletter, followed by a personal visit of 230 houses by two garden planners to offer information about the community garden idea, and to request neighbor feedback
3.84 surveys, calls, and emails that came in after those visits were organized and formed into easily accessible graphs
4.An initial community garden meeting was held that supporting documents to all those in the community
5.Prospective community gardeners went on a garden tour of six local community gardens to help better plan the Sycamore Hills Community Garden
6.A follow up meeting to design the garden based on the survey information and garden tour findings. A beautiful and inclusive garden design was agreed upon

In summary, at this point, thirty one households are directly involved in with the community garden meetings and planning. Five community members have enlisted as co-planners, which entails a large amount of planning, communicating, and follow through on the garden creation process.

There are many plans in the works to use the garden as a jumping off point for service learning, beautification, and entrepreneurial projects. The service learning component is already in place with the plans to participate in the ?Grow a Row for the Hungry? program. A wonderful extension of this plan will be to go to the pantry/food kitchen and help prepare and serve the food the Sycamore Hills Community Garden has grown and donated. In addition, it would be wonderful to see the garden be used as a cooking class site, where a portable camp stove could be used to show how to prepare the food from the garden in healthy and delicious meals. In addition, gardeners could use the garden to host lessons and lectures about best practices, helpful strategies, and question and answer sessions.

The garden will beautify a large city park that is 75% open and has an unused field. In addition, plants could be divided to share with neighbors and beautify the entrance ways. The garden will also serve as a beautiful walking area and meeting place for the neighborhood. Art will also be a big part of this garden in the future. Statues, mosaics, signage, and murals will all be welcomed in the garden and will increase the beauty that the garden holds all year round.

Entrepreneurial projects that are under discussion involve organizing a teen gardening program that would encourage teens to become entrepreneurs. Teens could be encouraged to make connections with local restaurants and grow selected produce for their clients. Their work could help to fund their education or the garden, and would teach important skills. In addition, a teen garden training program could be developed. The goals of this program would include instruction on communication skills, garden knowledge, professionalism, and budgeting that would help them to become paid or volunteer caretaker for other gardens.

These following organizations are currently in communication concerning partnerships with the garden:

1.Volunteering: Columbus Police and Fire Departments, Christian Fellowship Church, Mayfair Village Retirement Center, Gables Elementary School, OSU Master Gardeners, Bishop Watterson High School.
2.Donations: Franklin Park Conservatory Growing to Green Program, Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, Straders Garden Center, Grainger, Rain Brothers.

Grant Questions + Answers

Goals & Objectives (4000 characters)Describe the specific and measurable goals and objectives of your project. This information should provide a clear and concise view of how and why this garden will make a difference. These goals and objectives should be the backbone of your successful project.

The goals of the Sycamore Hills Community (SHC) Garden include:
-Growing a sense of community among each other and within the city of Columbus.
-Growing knowledge of: nutrition, cultivation of healthy food, organic and environmental growing practices, self reliance, one's self, and of the earth.

Creating a community garden in the neighborhood will enable residents to participate and connect with their neighbors in a meaningful and positive way. It will bring the Sycamore Hills Community together for work and for play. A community garden is a wonderful opportunity to those from all demographics to feel welcome and to participate.

Many of the Sycamore Hills residents bring a lifetime of experience and knowledge of gardening and growing food, maintaining soil, preventing pests and disease. With a garden in place, they will have the opportunity to share their expertise. The garden will be a positive and authentic way to connect with other older and younger residents in the community. The community garden will also provide an opportunity to the Sycamore Hills residents to grow their knowledge, to seek out those in the greater Columbus community who have valuable gardening knowledge.

The design elements of the garden will be mindful of the many generations. Included will be raised beds that are 4-5 feet off of the ground, easily accessible water (drip irrigation), nearby street and parking access, safe and level walking paths wide enough for a walker, wheelchair or stroller, and shaded and comfortable places to rest. There will also be elements focused on children and teens within the community.

A garden gives a person the understanding, the pride, and the joy of seeing barren earth produce wonderful things. A community garden brings those emotions not just to one or two, but to the entire collective. It will foster pride within one's self and within one's community. Having worked together to foster life brings people closer together and creates lasting friendships.
The community garden provides a wonderful place for those who would love to garden but do not have the adequate place for a personal garden. Whether the existing constraints be lack of room, too much shade, or something else, the community garden will be designed with such concerns in mind. It will be open and accessible to all those in the community who wish to test his/her green thumb.

The community garden will open a wonderful new growth for the Sycamore Hills Community into community service. Currently there are no community organized service opportunities. The garden would provide the opportunity to participate in "Grow a Row for the Hungry." Many community members are very interested in supporting the local pantry through this program, and look forward to establishing a strong connection. Another plan is in place to provide food and flowers for the residents in Sycamore Hills who are in need of healthy food, a cheerful bouquet of flowers, or just the company of the delivery person.

The images included in this section show the backbone of the garden goals: our community. These images come from a celebration at the park (and future garden site) to welcome home a neighbor and solider from Iraq.

Grant Questions + Answers

What are the plans to sustain the project upon completion (250 words max):

The garden maintenance plan will be supervised and implemented by the garden designer and the co-planners. Specific rules and regulations will be drafted using exemplars from other gardens and organizations, such as ACGA, Franklin Park, and Garden Works, as well as from the guidelines provided by the City of Columbus. The rules and regulations will be on permanent record in the community handbook, will be posted at the garden site, and a copy will be provided to each household that claims a garden plot.

Each bed will be assigned to a gardener or household, and they will be required to maintain the bed by removing weeds, keeping growth under control, and removing all garden materials by a specific date at the end of each growing season. Between each of the beds, a weed barrier and ground cover material will be placed so that the growth of weeds and other vegetation around the beds will be kept to a minimum. We will ask each participating household or gardener to donate a small amount of time each week or month in general maintenance and will request that the participants record their efforts and time committed to maintenance in a logbook that will reside at the site.

In an effort to reflect on and evaluate the garden these considerations will be taken into account in the future: Does the garden bring community together? Does the garden serve as a source of food and flowers for the community? Is the maintenance plan effective? Do the garden rules accommodate the community, and are additional rules or revisions to existing rules needed? Does the design accommodate the gardeners? What number of people participate in the garden, and is every member of the community with an interest in the garden being served? Does the Columbus Park site work for the community? What needs to be changed for the next garden season? Is this garden sustainable?

These questions will be answered through surveys, record keeping, meetings, and communication within the community and with the Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation.

Grant Questions + Answers

List community members, organizations and local businesses that actively support or have pledged support to this garden project (250 words max.):

Growing to Green through Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, Strader’s Nursery, 31 community members, and more connections are being made as garden planning continues.

We hope to create a strong connection with the OSU Master Gardeners, the local fire and police departments, a nearby church, a nearby retirement home, and a nearby school, who has also just begun a community garden.

Additional funding will also be requested from Fiskars Project Orange Thumb, Captain Planet, and Target Community Grants.

Postings on CCG about SHCG

http://columbuscommunitygardening.blogspot.com/search/label/Create%20a%20CG%20from%20Scratch-SHCG%20example?max-results=20

This link will lead you to all of the related postings on my first blog, Columbus Community Gardening about starting the SHCG. These postings are very visual; I think you will enjoy them.

Grant Questions + Answers

Please describe in detail the plot where the plants will be used. Any interesting history of the plot being developed will be considered.

The Sycamore Hills Community Gardening group began in April 2008. It started with an idea by resident, Amy _, who has lived in communities with gardens, volunteered in many community gardens around Columbus, successfully accomplished the OSU Master Gardener training and maintains a Columbus Community Gardening Blog (www.columbuscommunitygardening.blogspot.com). Amy hoped to provide a service to her community and felt that a community garden would be an excellent way to involve the multi-generational residents in the neighborhood, as well as to bring together and strengthen the community.

In April, Amy went to the Sycamore Hills Residents Association meeting to share her vision, and with their approval began to seek out interest in the community for a garden. after visiting over 230 homes in the neighborhood in an effort to inform everyone of the potential for a community garden in Sycamore Hills, Amy conducted a survey. Amy found that there were many people interested in the gardens. Additionally, after learning of the idea, four other people signed on as garden co-planners.

After the survey was completed, a meeting was held to share the results with the neighborhood. During the meeting, the residents expressed excitement that the gardens could be used to to grow their own food and flowers, connect neighbors who otherwise would not know each other, provide garden goods for the homebound, busy, or elderly residents, and to beautify the neighborhood.

The survey results show that 97% of the respondents support the garden. Currently, thirty-one households are interested in participating in the project, and this number should grow significantly once the garden is in place. Interested participants represent a wide range of ages and gardening knowledge, including young families, retired adults, single women, and teens/children. If desired, a copy of the survey and results will be provided.

Feeling Lonely...

I have just posted every single email I didn't accidentally delete from my gmail account onto this blog, with the correct dates to show the timeline of events. I decided they are best on the blog, not in my gmail "garden" folder. This isn't my garden, this is Sycamore Hill's garden. Why not put everything out there? It was so interesting to go back and see things that were written only a few months ago. It gave me perspective.

I just had a really exciting meeting about the Columbus Community Gardening Blog that I created and co-author. We talked about the adding more writing that reveals the good and the bad about community and gardening. I have decided to write this very honest and open post in light of the fact that I don't want other community gardeners to feel bad when something doesn't go right. Creating a garden can be a very humbling experience.

I have to say that I am left feeling a little down because I don't seem to be doing a very good job getting people excited about the garden.

2, 3, 5

These numbers are the amount of people the meetings and tours are drawing. When I posted the emails, I was surprised how many things I have written about this garden and how hard I have tried to get people involved. However, there ARE some wonderful examples of people who are really thoughtful and looking forward to the garden that lifted my spirits. So, am I doing something wrong?

Are people (me, included) just that busy? Do people need a garden in place before they understand how wonderful this can be?

Here comes the whining and negative thinking (maybe I will not post this):

I am writing three grants right now, as well as creating the budget I forgot to attach (huge oversight) to the Growing to Green grant that I turned in on October 4. 2008. Perhaps that is why we didn't get it; I haven't asked for or received any feedback yet. (I should post the rejection letter if I can figure out how to post things that I scan. When we get it next year it will create a nice example of overcoming mistakes and obstacles.) Regardless, my point is that I am putting in an amazing amount of work into this garden. I am happy and extremely motivated to do it, but it makes me feel lonely and disappointed when people don't show! It is such a bummer.
I have high hopes that once the garden is in place, people will SEE how great it is and get more involved. Maybe people don't realize how much planning is going in to this garden. Just today, I have spent 8 hours drawing the garden, researching costs for the budget, writing on this blog, requesting help, and writing grants.

I want to say that the best thing I did was the brochure and survey (along with visiting every house). I worked very hard to make sure people want the garden before I started this process. It is so reassuring to know that I have documentation that 31 households said they were planning on participating, and even more were in support of it, but can't participate right now. I highly suggest you do this, too.

Editing Help Email 2

Hi, Linda! Hope your holiday season is going well! I am busy writing three grants (Fiskars, Nature Hills Nursery, and Captain Planet) for funding for the garden, and I wondered if you might be interested in helping to edit and revise my work for the Fiskars grant before I turn it in. It is worth $1,500 in Fiskars garden tools and up to $800.00 in gardening-related materials, so it will definitely help get our future garden looking fabulous. I am planning on breaking ground May 2009! If so, I will send you the grant information I have compiled and written about, and you can look it over, make changes, and send it back my way for submission. Thanks, and let me know as soon as you can!
Best wishes,
Amy

Community Connection Ideas Email

Hi, Melody and Kim!

I hope your holiday season is going well so far! I am working on the third grant for the garden, and they are asking this question:

What other organization(s) is/are currently, or will potentially be providing assistance for your garden? Specifically, what kind of support would you receive from each group.

Since both of you are long time residents and just all around fabulous, I was hoping you could help me brainstorm some possible contacts/businesses/ organizations for the garden. The ones I came up with so far are:

• Police
• Fire
• Church- the one on Godown?
• Retirement Home-?
• School-Gables? didn't they just start a garden? I wrote Carol Linville about it, but haven't heard back yet...
• Master Gardener Program- MG are required to do 25 hours of service, this could be a site
• Watterson High School-HS are required to do 25 hours of service, this could be a site
• Franklin Park Conservatory Growing to Green Program-extra plants, compost, etc?
• Columbus Parks and Recreation Department
• Straders- said they were interested in helping
• Oakland-?
• Rain Brothers- they are friends of mine and do water collection barrels, compost tumblers, etc.
• Construction company?
• Landscape company?
• Big Columbus Companies?
• Mr. Mulch??? or Joan's topsoil?
• OTHERS???

Also, if you have any desire to draft a letter telling these people about the garden and asking for their support and a contact name, it would be really helpful to the garden planning. I would like to break ground May 2009!

Electronic Garden Drawing Email

Hi, Sue, Has your friend had a chance to draw up our plan? I am applying for a grant, and it would be a helpful document to provide. Let me know if she can't and perhaps I can figure out another way to do it.Thanks!!!amy

Editing Help Email

Hi, Roger, If you have some time, I would love to take you up on your offer to help with the grant writing in order to get this community garden looking as amazing as it can. This grant is for $2500-1500 in trees, plants, shrubs, so it is significant to our work, to say the least! And exciting! I have already done an almost final draft of the grant, but it can definitely use your professional touch. Feel free to make any changes, additions, etc. Attached are two documents. One is a copy of the website on a word document, just so you can see what they want-you don't need to spend any time on this one; it is just for your reference. The second is a corresponding document with the answers typed out on there (including the questions). I would like to apply for this asap because next quarter will be crazy for me. The deadline isn't until April, but I have three other grants to write up too! THANKS!Amy

Sister Garden Email

Hi, Carol!
I am helping to organize information for community gardens around columbus, and I wondered if the school garden that you mentioned in other SHRA emails (I think it is gables) has connected with The Franklin Park Conservatory Growing to Green program or ACGA? Can you give me a contact person name and email so I can get in touch with them? Also I was thinking it might be cool to connect our gardens as sister sites, so I want to talk to them about that, too! Thanks!

ACGA listing

I have created our listing for the ACGA garden search, but nothing is coming up yet. I will email them. In the meantime, here is our listing.

http://acga.localharvest.org/garden/M2104?ul

To Do List

This blog is just getting started, so better way to make the first post than a lovely "To Do" list:

1. list of gardeners
2. how to join
3. rules/expectations
4. compost bin
5. survey & results
6. emails
7. history of garden
8. grants applied for
9. connections made-schools, churches, retirement homes, fire, police, business
10. funding/resources connections
11. list of roles-photographer, treasurer, etc
12. budget
13. garden plan
14. photos photos photos
15. meeting information
16. Invite authors
17. make weblink connection to summary on ACGA cg map
18. calendar
19. city lease agreement

SHCG meeting on 11/13

At the SHCG meeting on 11/13, we:

1. went over the grant for the Columbus Foundation I submitted to make changes for next year's submission
2. showed the grant I submitted to Aveeno
3. we went over the community garden proposal and lease agreement from Columbus Parks and Rec-have questions on including a structure in the garden plan, but they said that we can explain why we want it in our garden design and go from there
4. decided on a design of the garden to submit to Columbus Parks and Rec (Sue will have her friend digitize and beautify it)

I have three possible grants for funding that I need help writing. We have a chance for some serious monetary support if we get these done. Would you contact me if you can help?

Email about Logo Idea

To my cousin, the artist:
Hi, Kate! When are we going to have tea?! Also I need some help. I need to make a super simple logo and letter head for the community garden I am creating in my 'hood. I talked to the graphic designers at work and they said i need a "vector file" and to save it in "eps." This is all gobbletie gook to me. Can you help me with this?

From my cousin:
lol, hi
happy to help. Pick a couple things you like from the internet and I'll find something or make it in Illustrator (vector). I'll call you soon,
Kate

Email about Tour and Meeting

Hi, All!

We had a nice tour this weekend and gathered lots of good ideas. Check out the blog for some images. Sue and I seem to be the only ones able to meet on Tuesday, so we have rescheduled for Thursday at 7 pm. We are doing this partly because there is a fantastic speaker coming to Columbus that evening. I have attached the flyer for you to look over to see if you would like to go, too. Please let me know if you would like to carpool. I got caught up in yard work today, so I apologize for the late notice of this email. I hope people can come to the meeting on Thursday.

The agenda will be:
1. going over the grant for the Columbus Foundation to make changes for next year
2. going over the community garden proposal and lease agreement from Columbus Parks and Rec
3. drawing a design of the garden to submit to Columbus Parks and Rec.
4. designating roles for the garden planning (photographer, PR, blogger, treasurer, etc)
5. any additional items

Thanks,
Amy

Lead Contamination in Gardens Email

You might be interested for your arsenal of garden info!
Melody

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1616-e.pdf

Supportive Email

Hi Amy:This is great. I am printing out stuff as I receive it. I like the idea of Grow a Row for the Hungry. I may be able to get some people from our church to help with that part of the garden. Sharing is a very good thing. I appreciate what you are doing, and I will try to make the next meeting.Jim

Good Ideas Email

Amy:I think that there is a large plot of land that is behind the houses that are north (I think) of the main part of the park between the railroad tracks and a row of houses. That would be a good area for several reasons.1 - it is out of sight in case someone thinks that a garden detracts from the neighborhood.2 - it is out of sight in case someone decides that they want to take food from someone else's work3 - it is on a higher area which means that it won't be a swamp. We might have to cut a trail between the current park and this patch of ground. That won't be much of a challenge. I am glad you got in touch with Bill. He can help clear the way with Parks and Recreation. If we do this right, maybe we can get them to plow our ground. Jim

Nice Email

Hi Amy- Thank you for keeping us so well informed. You’ve done a great job keeping the peace and considering everyone’s opinions and site issue concerns. I think the park is great. Hopefully it will work. I hate to see any trees taken down in general --- also that area down by the pool is an ecosystem of it’s own ---- kind of boggy and peaceful. I hope the location in the park will still allow people to use the field for sports. I don’t know how big it would be. But that appears to be the best and possibly only place it may work. I also think the on-line survey you sent was wonderful because it helps us to visualize things better. I liked the gardens much better that looked more natural. Like the ones with curvy paths and the ones with rows of stone between the plants. I think the ones that are what I would consider “raised beds” (with wood around them) are not as aesthetically pleasing and actually be kind of ugly. Also, the wood would probably be chemically treated or plastic which is also not desirable. Thanks for keeping us all informed and listening to all sides of the issues. -Annette

Email about Site

Hi, Everyone!

As you know, finding the appropriate site of our future community garden has been the most challenging part of the planning process. We can count ourselves lucky that interest, finding people that want to help, and money/funding will not be a problem. In my experience and research, these are usually the most difficult aspects to creating a garden. I thought that I would send you the communication that has gone back and forth between myself and Parks & Rec to keep you up abreast of the park as a CG site possibility. Bill, from Franklin Park Conservatory, has gone back and forth about it being possible at the park, and we know that the Shadowbrook residents do not want it, so I hope that the park site will work out.

Here are the emails from oldest to most recent, my emails are in bold:

Hi, Tina, I have been working with Bill Dawson and the Growing to Green program in order to create a community garden in my neighborhood. He suggested that I write to you to talk about the possibility of a community Garden in Sycamore Hills Park, which is one of the sites we have been looking at. I would love to talk with you about this. Bill gave me your contact information, so please feel free to email me back, or I can give you a call on Monday. Thanks for your time!

Hello Penny! Thank you for contacting me. We are meeting internally tomorrow and will discuss Sycamore Hills. I will get back to you. Thanks Penny

Hi, Tina! Thanks for the quick reply! If you think it might be helpful, I would love to share some information with you about my research in the Sycamore Hills community concerning the garden (I went around to all 230 houses to talk to them about it). I handed out a pamphlet and a survey, which helped me to gather an incredible amount of information. Please let me know if this would be helpful to have for the meeting. If not, I will eagerly look forward to hearing about the meeting! Thanks!Penny

Hi, Tina, Any news from the meeting? I am not sure what Bill has communicated, but we have over 30 people interested in participating in the garden, and our big hurdle is choosing the site. We have some community land, but too many people are opposed to it being there for it to be a good community garden site. Our other option is the Sycamore Hills Park, which no one is opposed to using and gets full sun in a huge field, so our little & organized raised bed garden would look really nice there and would increase the use of the park. Amy

Hello Amy-We are completing a draft of Community Garden Policy. While it is not official, we have met with Bill and received his comments as well as discussed internally in developing the draft. Once we get Bill and our comments worked into the draft Policy, I will pass it along to you to see if your group is able to meet the qualification/required info. for the possibility of a Community Garden. I'll be in touch with the draft. Thanks

Email about Tour

Hi, Gardeners.

As we discussed at the meeting, the garden tour planning is underway. Sue Middleton has been organizing this, so big thanks to her. The tour will happen: 1-5 pm, Friday, August 29. Please try to attend as it will be a great community building experience and brainstorming session for our SHCG. Please RSVP (Sueatzue@aol.com) and let her know if you are willing to drive. Start drawing up your vision for the garden; include detailed descriptions, and during the day we will amend our designs as we see good ideas. At the end of the day, it would be great to have a general idea agreed upon for the SHCG. In the meantime, if you click this link, you will not only help out a Cornell research student by taking her survey, you will see many interesting and varied images of gardens to get you thinking.

Thanks!
Amy

Powdery Mildew Email

Hi Amy,
Thought you might be interested in this...
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/tv-mildew.html
Stephanie

Welcome from Amy & Kim to the first SHCG meeting!

Tonight's meeting has 4 main targets: (with notes by Kim in BOLD)

• build on background knowledge of community gardening – Coordinator A_has the only real background on Community Gardening. Enthusiasm, however, was expressed by all attendees and it was uniformly agreed that the community would come to embrace the garden.
• introduce coordinators – Amy _and K_l were introduced as the Coordinators.
• share survey information and begin planning discussion: overall, positive responses were returned via the surveys. Negative responses were, in general, received from the homes most closely situation to the garden.
• decide on a follow up meeting and garden tour date: Sue and Amy will plan the garden tour for 8/29. Our next meeting date was not set, but will be decided on the tour.

The agenda (7/16/08):

1. Franklin Park Community Gardening Film – the attendees watched the film and generally agreed this was the vision for the garden. Ideas for the methods for planning the garden were discussed but none were agreed upon. This was set aside for a future date.
2. Introductions –Survey Results: The surveys show that over 30 people are in support of or interested in the garden.
   i. The only no's were from Shadowbrook who are indifferent besides the site.
   ii. 5 people are willing to be co-planners. The site choice was in favor of Shadowbrook, but only slightly. No decision has been made because we are still waiting on Parks and Rec.Veggies and flowers are the most popular items to grow in the garden. Most people are willing to work in the garden occasionally, 6 people will work as much as possible, and 5 would like extra food/flowers donated to their homes. Most people would like to see a shady meeting area and a storage shed in the garden, and the kids area and picnic table garden features were also popular. There are many resources in our community, especially gardening experience and tools to share.
3. Set Future Dates

A couple of things to do while you are here:

1. Please make sure to sign in so we know who came. Attending the meeting were Sue, Roger, Melody, Stephanie, and the Coordinators.
2. Look over the map to see who is interested and where the surveys came back from.
3. Think about anything you would like to cover in the next meeting.

So far, we would like to put these things on the agenda:

• garden design ideas and plans: Grow a Row for the Hungry, elder help and care, produce and flowers to donate, Sale of surplus produce and flowers to local restaurants, Teen activities, Toddler Garden, Field trips for local school children, Storage shed idea,
• water for the garden: A garden in the Park would pose water problems as there is no source in that area. Rain barrels could be installed if a central building were erected (i.e. a shelter, gazebo or storage shed). Pros and cons were discussed (individuals bringing in water). Shadowbrook has an unlimited supply of water from the creek but pumping it to the garden would also pose difficulties. The discussion was tabled until a site is agreed upon.
• garden rules: It was universally felt that the garden should be a true "community" garden – everything in the garden is to be shared by the community, but individuals could have their own raised bed. Everyone agreed that the garden should be organic and kept looking nice. More rules can come with time.
• update on city coordination: Amy to provide this at the next meeting as she is waiting to hear back from Bill Dawson who has a meeting on 7/20.
• inviting wishing well acres? Perhaps In the future
• possible roles around the planning and implementation of the garden (secretary, photographer, treasurer, grant co-writer, PR person, etc) People can just start thinking about what they would like to head up so we can spread out the duties.

Timeline: Some things are off the original goal, but that is okay. This is just a guide.

• June: Information sharing/gathering, Organize a meeting, Choose a site
• July: Form planning committees, identify our resources & needs
• August: Columbus Garden tour, Plan garden philosophy & design
• September: Plan for garden guardians & kids, Determine rules
• October: grant application due SPRING 2009: BEGIN OUR GARDEN!

Park Site Email

Hi, Bill, I got your message about talking with the park folks. Any information to share? I have that meeting coming up this Wednesday, and I want to be prepared with whatever I should tell them about the park option (as that seems to be the best). If not, I can call them too. Thanks!!

Emails About Site Choice

Here are emails from Shadowbrook residents that are important to consider when choosing the garden site. 5/8 are NOT in favor of the garden being directly across from their homes. These start with the first to last emails. My responses are in bold, and names have been removed.

Hello Amy, At first I thought the Community Garden was a good idea until I began to think about it more seriously. Let me say, as a resident of Shadowbrook, in the area that you are contemplating as a "community garden," I would not be in favor of converting this green area into a community garden for several reasons. What is the area presently used for? Well, nearly every day one can see several deer in this area. Many rabbits and other forest creatures make use of this area. Parents play with their children there, throwing baseballs and footballs. Kids run freely there and fall down into the grass. Pet owners walk their dogs there. Residents nearby often mention that one of the reasons they purchased their home in this area was the "green area" across from their houses. My own son and many other kids play in the woods adjacent to this area. So, it is already an area that is used and contributes greatly to the beautification of this section of Shadowbrook and Sycamore Hills. Because you do not live in this area immediately, I am sure you do not know how it is used or why the people who live here appreciate the green space available. It is already a park and not really a "farming area". The area is considered a "flood plain" and not suitable for housing. Building a hut or tool shed in this area should not be allowed either. I believe the City of Columbus would not approve structures built here. Also, the area for over 100 feet from the stream is not under the jurisdiction of the Trustees of Sycamore Hills. Its usage is controlled by the City of Columbus, if I recall this provision correctly. More than this, tearing up grass to plant gardens seems OK until one realizes what would the area look like during the 9 months or more when there were not gardens there? No grass, of course, But, rutted areas would be left for weeds to grow up and soil to erode with hard rains which often fall. So, most of the year, residents would look at a mud hole with weeds growing where the grass had been. Has that been considered? I am sure residents in this area would not want to see 9 months of weeds and the rough ground with no grass growing across from their houses. If you had such a situation across from your house in place of a beautiful green area, would you want this? An area of weeds vs a lush green area? I don't think so. Nor do I think residents in this area of Shadowbrook would want a tool shed or outbuilding build there either, for obvious reasons. Also, the increase in traffic on this cul-de-sac for the "city farmers" who would use it would increase, not to mention those who show up with rototillers and motorized equipment to work the land with. The noise factor is not acceptable in this area. Also, being a public road, anyone can stop here, pick your tomatoes and beans at night and be off with the fruit of your labors. Do I have any suggestions where you might put a community garden? Well, the area behind the pool is large and could be used. Yes, a couple of trees might have to come down for adequate sunshine, but this area is very lightly used and mostly ignored. Also, it is out of sight of residences up the hill and across the stream. So, weeds and furrows and mud would be more acceptable there. Or, a section of the park area, immediately away from houses and near the railroad might also work. On paper this idea sounds good. But, in reality, it has a lot of problems due to location and the interests of people living adjacent to such a farming site. Cordially yours,

Amy --Thank you for dropping the brochure about the community garden by our house. It is a very thorough and well thought-out piece (nicely designed, too... I do that sort of thing at work), and is very informative on the subject. Rather than fill out and return the survey, I thought I'd reply in email; hope that's OK.While the goals and ideals of community gardening are ones that I find admirable and attractive, I do have to say that the idea of having one directly across the street from our house (near the end of Shadowbrook) is quite disturbing to us. We moved to Sycamore Hills, and to this house, for very specific reasons. Our family very much enjoys community activities, so we were very pleased with the reports of how friendly and sociable the folks here are. We also very much enjoy the areas like the pool and park for social gatherings. Community is important to us, and Sycamore Hills has been a wonderful source of that for the 10+ years we've been here.When we bought the house, though, we partly did so because we were told that the area across the street could never be built on, due to the proximity to the brook. That had a great deal of appeal, too. For though we enjoy social activities, having more "personal space" for our family was another, albeit contrasting feature. People use that area to take walks -- for themselves and dogs -- jog, play frisbee, catch, etc., and it's just nice to have a space that is open and unused among our other more built-up areas. One of the main concerns my wife, _, and I have about a community garden across the street is that it would, essentially, disturb the privacy that was one of the reasons we sought a quiet, cul-de-sac for our home. I come from a long line of gardeners myself, and know that on an individual basis, it is a quiet and contemplative activity, and one that rewards patience, good humor and thoughtfulness. And so it isn't the idea of a garden, per se, across the street that troubles us... it is the idea of any real "development" that would draw people and noise, and put "something" -- anything, really -- in a space that we love for its quiet and simplicity. We have other concerns that:
people would be working in the garden at hours when we'd be sleeping or trying to enjoy quiet, family time, powered equipment would create more noise/fumes, during winter months, it would be, basically, a large area of dirt or mud directly across from our house (gardeners would come during the gardening season; we would live with the results in our front yard pretty much year-round), people we don't know and can't vouch for would have a reason to come down and "mess around" -- not the SHRA gardeners, but others attracted to the site (and none of us knows everyone in the area, eh?), folks might want to pop across the street to use our phone, faucet, bathroom... I grew up next to a public school's baseball diamond, and you'd be surprised at how many perfect strangers are quite willing to do so, vegetables/fruits would attract more scavengers, mice, etc., people would be parking across the street more often, and up and around the circle, waste from the area would find its way into our yard, As I read over this list, I know I sound, even to myself, to be putting our household concerns over those of the community. I fear, in this case, that that is an accurate statement. While the garden would be a pleasant diversion for some and a social project for others, for us it would be a 24/7/365 issue. When we moved here, we took many things into consideration, including some that aren't quite idyllic; the trains, the planes, the proximity to Rt. 315, etc. But they were all known issues when we moved in. Taking a real "positive" for our location -- the quiet, peaceful spot across the street -- and turning it into something that would, I'm afraid, be more negative in the aggregate, troubles us. I don't know how the folks who live near the already existing community areas -- the pool, the park, etc. -- would feel about adding a garden there. Obviously, I can't speak for them. I have no real objection to a community garden in a place already designated for group activities, or in a new place... assuming that the residents in immediate proximity were OK with the plan. But I wouldn't ever vote for something if I knew that the families most affected were not in favor of it. I do wish you the best of luck. As I said, I come from a family of gardeners. Both my grandfathers grew much of their own food, and my mother brought me up gardening. We can't do as much of it now (my wife is deathly allergic to honeybees), but I deeply respect the motivations and rewards of the pursuit. It is just, as I have said, that in this case, I feel the proximity to our home, the probable disturbances, and the breaking-up of the green space isn't something we can support. Take care.

Thank you for your timely and detailed responses. This is exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. My deepest intention is for the garden to enhance our community for everyone, from all perspectives and proximities. Please know that the issues you both brought up are common to all of the community gardens I have researched and been a part of, and will continue to inform the planning. I hear you very clearly saying that a garden on Shadowbrook would not work for either of you. This is what I want to know. The neighbors that live by the two (Shadowbrook and The Park) proposed sites are the voices I am most interested in hearing as the site location is the first and most important choice.
Right now I am continuing to share and gather information, and will facilitate a meeting on July 16th at 7 pm at Kim Hugill's house (who has joined on as a co-planner). We would love to have you there, but if you cannot make it to the meeting, rest assured that your emails, as well as the other survey responses, will be shared as part of the discussion.

I think if you and Kim talk to the residents impacted directly by this idea, you will find 100% disapproval of this idea for the Shadowbrook green space location. Do most people not have space in their back yards for a garden? We believethis idea is driven partly by the expense of mowing the area. Also, we notice that the persons pushing for this "DO NOT" have to live across from it and view the aftermath for 9 months of the year----weeds, mud, furrows, and an unkemptlook. Such an area will attract more people who walk their dogs and do not clean up after their dogs because in the future it will look like barren and useless ground, at least for most of the year. Are you willing to restore grass to the area when it is not being used as a "farm". Yes, neighborhood togetherness is good, but this idea will create, on Shadowbrook, neighborhood anger from the residents in that area adjoining the green space.


Dear Ms. Pinnegar: July 1,2008
We support the position that __ has taken regarding the creation of a garden. The common or green area is not available for such an endeavor. Being, Sycamore Hills, residents for over 35 years we find no need for any further distraction or disruption. Kindly pursue other areas that are suitable and available and that will comply with the By- Laws of the community. Thank you.
Cordially,


We live right next door east of the _. We agree to what _ (and _, earlier) expressed in this email. He could not have expressed it any better. I tried to express similar sentiments in the note that accompanied the survey which we mailed to you.

Amy,

Sorry to be so long in responding but things have been busy here and I wanted to think about your endeavor some more. I personally support your objective and wanted to offer some suggestions.

We live in the bottom of the ravine across from the preserve and pool. Some years ago we grew cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes in our yard. More recently we tried to also plant tulips and some other flowers. We also have a pear tree and a couple apple trees. Our experience says to be careful so as to have nature on your side. With our close proximity of a lot of nature vegetation and trees, the bugs and animals are in control. Rabbits ate the tulips and beans. Birds and insects took to the tomatoes, pears and apples. Squirrels eat the pears, and birdseed. Deer make a nighttime feast of birdseed and the mulberries. We also have many groundhogs and raccoons, but I don't know what to blame them for.

My opinion is that any vegetable garden must be sufficiently away from the forested and bushy areas which are home to the animals and bugs. There also must be sunlight exposure for much of the day. This would indicate the ravine to be unfavorable for gardens.

In our Columbus weather there can be a lot of dry days without any rain. Some years ago there were community gardens in the fields at Olentangy River and Bethel Roads. I understand that one of the main reasons for their demise was the difficulty in getting water to the gardens.

The Sycamore Hills Park would seem to be a reasonable option if arrangement for water could be made. There is a sizable area just north of the tree line that is separated from the main park area. An advantage to that area is that it is not visible to passers by. It is bounded by houses on Rockport and Rockport Court, and the railroad tracks. That means it is visible from those houses. The area is large enough to keep some distance from the bushes and trees.

A probable concern to the neighbors may be how well the area is cared for, especially during the off-season. Perhaps outlining the garden area with attractive shrubs and flowers (especially the all season type) would make it more acceptable. Perhaps some arrangement with a local neighbor could be made for a water connection using a separate water meter.

We wish you luck in your endeavor. __ and I are beyond the age for any serious involvement in a garden but we can offer moral support.





Hi, __,

Thanks so much for the thoughtful and detailed emails and letters about the garden; I appreciate your opinions about the site choices, as well as the respectful and helpful tone in which you shared your views. It was most neighborly of you.

We are having a meeting on 7/16, at Kim Hugill's house at 7pm if you would like to come and be involved in that way. If you can't make it, I will be sure to pass on the information/feelings you supplied me, have notes taken, and share what was discussed.

Thanks again,
Amy

Thursday, July 10, '08
Hi Penny,
I would like to add my agreement to what ___ wrote to you about the community garden. I don't think those in the community would want to impose their ideas on those who live in an area directly affected by gardening proposals. We are all a part of the community and want those things which encourage community spirit. However, ideas which impinge upon those directly concerned, e.g. living immediately across from what would be too many cars, persons at all hours, and the appearance of the area when not being used as a garden--- are large concerns to those on Shadowbrook --- and not the only concerns, as you may know from emails you have received. I think it is only fair that these objections be aired at any meeting where community gardening is being discussed and the sites under consideration, whether on Shadowbrook's green area or in another area in Sycamore Hills. Persons at this meeting should be asked if such a situation existed across from their home ---whether or not it would be an agreeable circumstance? As you know, the idea is good---it is the site which we residents have problems with on Shadowbrook.*** Thanks for taking our ideas under consideration. ***Unfortunately, your meeting time conflicts with other plans I have at that time and I will not be able to attend.

As we spoke about on the phone and in emails, I will absolutely share your, and your neighbor's, feelings/concerns/beliefs with everyone at the meeting. I value them more than I suspect you might understand and I will steer the meeting participants to also value them (if they don't already). I want this garden to be a good thing from the beginning, and to make people happy.

Let me share with you (and the other Shadowbrook neighbors-if you want to pass this on) what I am going to do at the meeting about the site (and other planning issues) conversation:
1. I am going to show (on a color coded map) the houses that sent me information and the houses that are planning on participating. (This will show that basically all of the residents on Shadowbrook have requested that the garden be at the park, among other details.)
2. I am going to show in bar graphs and in quotes, what people have said about the garden. This will be hard evidence for people to see.
3. I am going to present the research I have done about working with the city to start the first ever community garden in the Columbus Parks and Recreation land.
4. We are going to talk about the results and then set a follow up meeting. No big decisions are going to be made.
5. Someone will type up minutes and I will email out these and the survey info.

Doesn't that sound good!? I think so! Sorry you can't be there, but as I have said from the first email back to you, I am planning on sharing ALL of the information (especially Shadowbrook's) I have received from the surveys, and I highly value your opinion about the garden because you of your proximity to a possible site.

Thanks for writing,
Amy

Excellent, Penny and Amy,
I guess I did not realize how much you are on track with our thinking. Let's hope that it turns out to be a great idea and that it fosters community spirit as well as nutritious food for those who participate, plus the fun involved
in accomplishing this. With food prices escalating, possibly more will join your ranks

Survey Results

Helpful Email

Penny, Mollie just sent me a draft of policy for cg’s in parks and I will look it over early next week and give you a call.I think I would stay away from the community space that you think would cause more problems than benefits!We’ll talk,Have a safe and fun weekend,Bill

Help Me Email

Hi, Bill!

Thanks so much for the great info. I will contact Molly and/or Mark from Parks and Rec and start the process of talking with them. As for my next steps within the community, Kim and I are going to host a meeting on July 16 at 7 pm with anyone who would like to come (you are more than invited, but I know you are busy, so no pressure!). I think the agenda will be something like this: show Franklin Park Film, introduce myself, my intention, and my experience with community gardening, share the results of the survey, and deal with the issue of site, followed up by possible roles around the planning and implementation of the garden (secretary, photographer, treasurer, grant co-writer, PR person, etc), and set a follow up meeting and garden tour date. We will ask someone to take minutes so that we can share the information with others. I am still working through what this conversation will look like, and I would love your advice on the aspect of the site choice. Basically, the surveys reflect that so far prefer the community land (which belongs to all of us) as the ideal site. Three of the six or seven people that live across from there are adamantly against it (two have said that it is "their" land, but the main idea is that they don't want it, and regardless of the validity of their reasoning, I don't want to force anything on anyone). So that leaves us with the park, but I haven't heard back from the people that live near there as of yet. I am not opposed to the park at all, but ... Part of me wants to say, philosophically, the land that belongs to the community is where we will put it if the majority says so. Another part says do the least harm; create advocates not adversaries. I am leaning towards the latter. So what do you think about this? I have some ideas of how the meeting should go, but I am seriously afraid it will get crazy with people yelling at each other or people getting steam rolled. I will obviously do my best to facilitate good communication, but what insights from all of your amazing experience can you share with me regarding this HUGE decision. Of course my next question is: Now that we know there are enough people interested in the garden, how do we in fact decide where the garden is placed? Majority? Least Harm? Gut feeling?

Thanks so much for all of your help and guidance, Bill. I can't express enough how much I appreciate it!

Be Prepared for Meeting Email

Hi, Bill! I hope your summer is going well! This rain is just crazy! Planning is underway for the CG here. Another neighbor and garden enthusiast, Kim Hugill, has joined on as a co-planner. I updated the brochure and survey. Kim and I have gone to every house on the north side of our neighborhood, and now have to do the south (about 150 houses). We have been able to talk to to quite a few people, and we definitely have some interest in the garden! YAY! We also have been able to hear from the people on Shadowbrook which is the site down by the pool. As we guessed, they DO NOT want the garden in the green space. They like the grass there, and have other very valid reasons for not wanting the garden there. So, that leaves the city park as the most likely space for the garden, OR the less likely place of the shady area behind the pool (which we did not check out together). So, because it seems like the park is going to be the proposed site, I wanted to get you on board with this asap. Back in June, you advised me to go through you to make this happen, not parks and rec. We will have our first meeting on July 16th at 7pm here in the neighborhood if you want to attend, but also so I can be as prepared as possible for it. Can you get back to me with some info or thoughts before that date? Thanks, Bill! Amy

Email about Straders

Amy> Yesterday while visiting the STRADER'S store on King Ave I got to chatting with the manager, Andrea [super lady], and somehow, for an unknown reason, I told her about the pending developments re: you and the SH community garden. > So, Andre said to pass along the word to you that after you get rolling that you might contact her from some free distressed plants....for your project. Might be worthwhile to drop in on Andrea [she's off on Thursdays] and intro your self and discuss her willingness to donate some plants. Apparently she does, already, assist some other like-projects. > Yours for Good Gardening, > Bill Grant

Community Gardening is Coming to SHRA

Greetings! My name is Amy, and I have been a part of SH since I was a baby! Now that I am all grown up, I purchased Middlefield Ct. from my mother because I wanted to make SH home for my family, as well. I feel that we have an incredible neighborhood and I would like to do my part to make it even more beautiful, as well as our community connected.

After a year of working in community gardens all over the Columbus area, I would like to bring all that I have learned back to our community to start our own CG. There is a $4000 grant from Franklin Park Conservatory and Scott’s Growing to Green that we can apply for, and I am willing and able to coordinate this adventure.

At this moment, everything is just an idea, so now is the time to get involved if you have a vision for our CG. I would like for anyone and everyone who is interested in being a part of our CG to join in the planning process on whatever time commitment that works for you, from a quick one time email all the way to helping to write and implement the grant. It is up to you; it is your community garden!

Feel free to send any ideas, concerns, offers of help, specific skills/tools you can contribute to our CG to