The Northwest Community Garden (NWCG) is in need of new membership to help maintain this outstanding community asset. Never heard of it? Well, it’s just around the corner.
The garden is located on a challenging plot of land under the 405 on NW 16th, between Johnson and Kearney. Ground broke in summer 2005 and by the end of the year the garden featured five raised beds, a tool shed, an irrigation system, and a perimeter fence. Subsequent efforts added security lighting, gravel walkways, and a bench. The goals of the garden are to make creative use of blighted land below the 405, create a “pocket park” green space, and enhance a gateway between the Pearl and Northwest Districts.
Zimmerman Community Center has generously provided fiscal sponsorship and guidance from the very beginning. Other major contributions have come from Pearl Rotary, Pearl Hardware, REI, I-405 fund, and NWNW Small Grants Program.
The garden is designed with a different planting theme for each raised bed (or plot). Currently, two of the plots are open for adoption. They can be cleared and started fresh with a clean slate, creating your own new theme, or they can be enhanced from their current state. The other three plots have English garden, native plant, and purple/blue themes. The beauty of the garden is open to everyone, year-round, from dusk to dawn. However, gardening work is reserved for members only.
A yearly membership costs $35, with all funds going towards garden expenses. The garden does not want money to be an obstacle for any potential member so please let us know if the fee is prohibitive. Members work in their particular plot and also help keep up the common area. The time commitment is typically 2-4 hours per month from spring through fall, with only occasional litter pickup work through the winter months. Garden membership is currently low so we could really use your help! Team up on an existing themed plot or take on one of our open plots and use your creativity!
If you have any questions, or are interested in becoming a garden member or contributing in some other way, please contact garden manager Matt Krueger at 503-221-4012 or [email protected]