2/26/2013 The Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) announced one of the Community Gardens they support, the ‘Love & Fishes Bountiful Garden,’ received a grant from the Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services. The $1,534.66 grant will be used to increase the size of the garden and purchase materials and equipment.
The Garden is located at the Haywood Street Congregation on the corner of Haywood Street and Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) have partnered with congregation volunteers to create and maintain a garden to help feed homeless members of the community who attend the Wednesday Welcome Table meal and worship.
In making the award, the county Parks Service said that, “It was the consensus of the review committee that the project will benefit Buncombe County residents through unique community garden initiatives while demonstrating and communicating how small groups of people can make changes that affect and involve the entire community.”
Extension Master Gardener, Molly Peeples, said, “It started last year when a few volunteers from the Welcome Table at the Haywood Street Congregation contacted us for help. They had a dream to grow fresh vegetables to feed the homeless community members who come on Wednesdays for lunch and worship. Now, with the support of many volunteers, and financial support from grants like this one, it is becoming a reality.” The Master Gardeners have also provided material and financial support in addition to research-based gardening advice.
Buncombe County EMG volunteers support the community through a variety of educational programs focused on gardening. They provide support to community garden organizers by partnering with their volunteers – teaching them how to design, plant and maintain their gardens, helping them learn about soils, pests, and sound environmental practices.