Several of the city’s community gardens got a figurative and literal lift from the Farm Philly program this year with new signage and raised planting beds, courtesy of a grant from the city’s Water Department.
Farm Philly, the urban agriculture initiative overseen by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy, installed 70 raised planting beds at 12 community gardens and two older adult centers on Parks & Rec land, thanks to the grant. The raised beds are 32 inches off the ground, some made with corrosion-resistant metal that is 100 percent recyclable, others made with naturally rot-resistant cedar.
Raised planting beds at Roots Garden and Fisher Park.
“The idea is to help the gardens be more inclusive and accessible for older adults and others who would struggle in the garden low to the ground,” Farm Philly coordinator EmmaKate Martin said.
The grant also included new signage at 18 Community Garden Network locations, containing the garden’s name and contact information as well as information about Farm Philly.
“This helps neighbors understand how to join the garden, or get more information about public events hosted by the garden,” Martin said.
The Community Gardens Network supports community gardens, farms, and orchards located on parkland within Philadelphia. There are over 450 residents that grow food, conduct community-led programming, and provide recreational gardening for neighborhoods across the City. The gardens also support families and neighbors through farm stands, farmers markets and food donations. Farm Philly provides the network with resources including land, compost, mulch, and technical assistance. Click here to learn more about the program and find a community garden near you.
The new signage and raised beds were financed by a Building Resilient Inclusive Communities (BRIC) grant awarded to The Water Department.
Photos courtesy of Farm Philly.
