Community Gardens Offer Green Opportunities for City Dwellers

Whether to offset the rising cost of food or just for sheer enjoyment, gardening is a fulfilling endeavor that anyone can enjoy in Easton, even if you don't have a yard.

A number of community gardens offer residents the chance to test their green thumbs, whether independently or with a group.

The City of Easton has two community gardens and offers 5- by 10-foot plots annually. The cost is minimal—$10 for the first year, and $5 for returning gardeners. Each gardener may rent up to two plots, and gardeners choose what to grow on their land.

The South Side Community Garden is located at 902 Philadelphia Rd., at the Easton Neighborhood Center. Thirty-five plots are located in this garden.

The Lower Hackett Community Garden is located on Wood Avenue. The number of plots in this garden is yet to be determined, as some are still being created.

Recreation coordinator Erik Daly says plots are still available, and rentals may be arranged through the city's recreation department.

The West Ward Neighborhood Partnership sponsors at least eight communal gardens scattered around the West Ward, says WWNP Executive Secretary Sophia Feller.

Unlike the city's community gardens, the communal gardens are taken care of by groups of gardeners. There is no cost to participate, Feller said.

“A lot of folks (in the West Ward) have backyard gardens too, and we help,” she said, adding that gardening has become more and more popular.

“Especially with the price of food,” Feller added.

The WWNP has hosted composting and other garden workshops, and given donated plants to gardeners, and has plans to do so again.

The gardens are doing well, and the number of sites has grown, along with the gardens themselves.

The communal garden has just acquired a greenhouse, a fact the center will be celebrating on Saturday, June 4, at their open house event.

For plot availability and other inquiries about the city's community gardens, call 610-250-6711 or e-mail edaly@easton-pa.gov

For more information about the WWNP communal gardens or how to participate, contact Sophia Feller at 610-515-0891.