The infamous "level" is pictured here along with the volunteers

Saturday several people came together to build raised beds and plant fruit bushes at the Townsend Center community garden.  People of different backgrounds—some avid gardeners and some wannabe pros– all learned a lot about “leveling.”

“Level” was the word of the day as everyone realized that it was the most essential tool in building a raised garden from cinder/cement blocks.   Throughout the hours from about 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 people would yell out politely “Level please!” or “Can I have the level,” or just the abbreviated “level!” as if we were in surgery.

DeAnte Webster, Came From Indianapolis With Grandma to Help

While groups were digging up the grass and “leveling” the blocks, others were planting fruit bushes around the perimeter of the garden.  A large ground garden bed had already been tilled before the volunteers arrived and is ready for planting.

Plans for the raised beds that are about three feet high are to also make them into seating so that not only the children in the after school program can participate in planting, but also the elderly in the community.  The height will make it easier to garden.

Around noon, a wonderful lunch was provided by the Minority Health Coalition of Wayne County.  Sherri Harlan, Director, is in charge of funding for “teaching kids for healthy living” which is the theme for activities such as the after school garden.

Joshua Smith, Pal-Item, Taking Pictures of Volunteers Planting Berry Bushes

Dan and Jan Sims, two of the volunteers, brought plants to share in the garden including herbs like thyme and basil.  Dan and Jan are both avid gardeners who also participate in the summer farmers markets in Richmond.

Kevin McCurdy, another volunteer who, some said should have the title of “mastermind,” designed the garden space.  He is studying towards a Masters in Architecture and shared his expertise by drawing out the plans and instructing others on how to make it happen.

Mary Jones (on right) is in charge of the after school gardening program at Townsend

The garden will be a part of the after school program overseen by Mary Jones. Mary shared that the kids, after Spring Break, will begin planting things like “lettuce, radishes and onions—a salad garden.”  The food will be harvested for their snacks and to share with local food banks, depending on the size of crops.

If you would like to participate in the next “garden party” you can come to the Townsend Center next Saturday, April 9^th from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Dinner will be provided and some may continue to work following dinner as well.  It’s a chance to not only give to the community but to learn about gardening (especially “leveling”).

To see more pictures from the Garden Planting party you can visit Jim Hair’s Facebook/Flicker site as well as photos taken by photographer Joshua Smith from the Pal-Item in the online gallery.  We will post more pictures on GoWayneCounty.com’s Facebook site as well.  Hope to see you all next week at 3:00 p.m.