Terri Barrett is a member of The Giving Garden’s Seed Committee and shared some information about the development of Carrollton’s first community garden.

Why did the community decide to start a garden in Carrollton? AldersgateUnitedMethodistChurch relocated to a property on the southeast corner of Old Denton and Hebron Parkway in October 2008. The Rev. Woody Weilage communicated a vision for a community garden on this property in one of his Sunday morning messages in 2009. The idea was embraced by several church members, who formed a seed committee to further develop the concept. We saw immediate benefits for the creation of a community garden and soon learned that it shared objectives with Keep Carrollton Beautiful, and merged its efforts with this nonprofit group. Ever since that time, we have been planning, meeting and dreaming of the possibilities and benefits that a community garden will bring to Carrollton.

Who will the garden most benefit? The great thing about a community garden is that it benefits everyone who wants to get involved! It provides a community service opportunity for high school cadets, a merit badge for a Boy or Girl Scout, a challenging project for an Eagle Scout, practical gardening experience for those achieving their Master Gardening certificate, a shared harvest for those in need and educational opportunities for children. 

What organizations are involved in getting the garden started? Several organizations are helping to make our dream a reality! We had more than 100 volunteers help to lay out the garden, build the raised beds, and fill them with rich soil and compost at the garden’s groundbreaking Feb. 27. It was a tremendous effort and we now have 18 garden beds that are ready for gardening. Of course, this was all made much easier with the support of our sponsors: Aldersgate UMC, Cedar Supply, Keep Carrollton Beautiful, Park Place Trees, Strong’s Nursery, Texas Pure and Kroger.

What opportunities are available? Most of the garden beds have already been reserved, but there are still lots of opportunities for volunteers. We plan to build 10 additional garden beds in Phase 2, common walkways and a garden information board. To complete that effort, we require additional donations, supplies, materials and tools, and of course lots of volunteers. We welcome everyone who would like to lend a helping hand.

What types of fruits and vegetables will be grown at the garden? A gardener can grow whatever fruits or vegetables that he or she pleases. The GivingGarden asks that gardeners follow organic practices and share half of their harvest with designated charitable organizations, specifically Aldersgate UMC Food Share and Christian Community Action in Lewisville.

How to get involved

Anyone can get involved by either mailing or e-mailing their contact information to:

The Giving Garden
c/o Keep Carrollton Beautiful
P.O. Box 111175
Carrollton, 75011

E-mail: garden@kcbadmin.org

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/givinggarden.