Canal Community Garden
Situated on the corner of Bellam Blvd and Windward Way, the future garden is across the street from a walking and bike path and is easily accessible by the surrounding residential areas. The Canal neighborhood provides a significant portion of low-income housing in one of the most affluent counties in the United States. Though the neighborhood is diverse, many residents share a common tie to a strong food culture. Vietnamese and Hispanic residents in the Canal neighborhood have expressed a desire to be able to grow and produce foods important to their heritage in a community setting.
Community members participated in all phases of the garden design at numerous workshops. The final plan includes:
- Raised beds for 92 gardeners/families
- Greenhouse, shed, potting tables, and composting bin
- Trellised outdoor classroom
- Vegetated rainwater treatment and educational signage
- Native planting around the perimeter
- Street trees
The new design uses sustainable, environmental features, including water saving drought-tolerant plants and a rainwater catchment system to irrigate the garden beds and educate about water conservation.