When a Community Comes Together

This afternoon, I had the opportunity to tour the Community Garden sponsored by Western Maryland Health System and supported by a host of partners.  The very special "partners" include: the City of Cumberland; Lowe's; Eby's; the Dorothy Singer Foundation; University of Maryland Extension; Hermann Seed Company and the Western Correctional Institute.  All came together to create this Community Garden with 25 individual elevated plots for growing fruits and vegetables.   

The place is amazing.  All of the plots are in the early stages of growing and are being maintained by individuals who were selected  on a first come first served basis.  These folks may not have access to or be able to afford fresh fruits and vegetables, but now they can.   Three of the plots are being maintained by the Health System and will be used for the Farmer's Market that comes to the Health System every Wednesday during the summer.  We will also share the fruits and vegetables with the Western Maryland Food Bank.  There is access to water, tools and expertise at the site.  Master gardeners are available every other Saturday to consult with the newly identified farmers. We even have a children's garden.  

I have included several photos of the garden; and hopefully, this is the first of many around the area.