Hi everybody, we are getting really excited about the new Cullowhee Community Garden! We have started a blog to document the development of this new project, and to share our story with the community. In time, this blog will become a gardening journal for the garden, tracking frosts and thaws, blooming time of flowers, planting schedules, pest sightings, weather, and any other pertinent information.  Please share any suggestions or feedback you may have on the garden, the blog page, and individual posts. An open dialogue is essential to our success.

Work has begun on the garden site. There are two designated wetlands on the property, and they have been spared from the bush hog's blades. We also spared a few nice shrubs and small trees, including silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) and redbud (Cercis canadensis).  There are beautiful populations of smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), and mountain mint (Pycanthemum sp.).  Site appropriate native plantings are on our list for project phases, and we can't wait to get started planting and growing beautiful native plants!

But, the main focus of our garden will be to grow abundant organic vegetables and fruits. Perennial foods, such as fruit trees and shrubs, asparagus, rhubarb and other plants that, once established, will continue to provide food for our community for a long time. Annual foods will be grown according to natural and organic methods in the individual plots. Other than the prohibition on using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, gardeners will be free to use whatever cultural practices that they want in their respective garden plots.

In exchange for use of garden space, tools, equipment, natural fertilizers, and assistance from the garden manager; gardeners will donate one half of all produce grown to help serve nutritious and delicious meals at The Community Table of Sylva, NC.  This way we are able to increase the amount of fresh produce available to those in need, increase the amount of public land used for food production, and provide space and assistance to those interested in organic gardening. The garden will be open to everyone in the community, with plots being assigned on a first come, first served basis. Returning gardeners will get site preference, so that the fruits of their soil building labors and efforts will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Here are a couple of pictures to Wet Your Whistle!

Garden Site Prior To Clearing

Cleared Garden Site 

More to come, including the first organizational meeting, more site preparation, and the first round of plot assignments!  Very Exciting!