Community garden begins to take shape

Concrete pieces weighing about 750 pounds each are aligned to form one of two raised garden beds for wheelchair accessibility. Sharon Defrees, right, adds dirt to help level the concrete. From near to far at left are Mel Lange, Jim Roberts and Beau Sorenson. (Baker City Herald/S. John Collins)

The garden is located on the Baker County Fairgrounds, north of the rodeo arena. The project is a collaboration of the Baker County Fair Board and Oregon Rural Action. Also, several Master Gardeners are working on the garden as a community project.

The half-acre area has been tilled and two work parties this week established the plots, which are bordered with railroad ties donated from the Haines Stampede.

Each bed is unique due to the variety of donated materials — some are 18 feet in length while others are 14 or 12. All are 4 feet wide to allow easy access to ripe vegetables.

Plots are still available for $25 for the season. The smaller beds cost $20.

Gardeners will also get an education on amending soil and growing vegetables, thanks to the Master Gardeners.

It’s a learning experience for everyone, at this point.

“This is year one — make mistakes. None of us have been in a community garden,” said Jimmy Roberts, Master Gardener coordinator.

The next work party happens at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, to work up the soil for each plot. The group will use a variety of materials — old potting soil and hay mulch — to amend the existing soil.

City water will be hooked up, and drip lines have been donated to use. However, fair manager Colleen Taylor said gardeners will be encouraged to use water conservation practices.

Also, Roberts said “integrated pest management” — “the least toxic” approach to controlling bugs — will be used.

Landscaping plans also include flowers to attract the beneficial bugs, and maybe even fruit trees.

Taylor said the management of the garden will fall to those who are tending the plots, and she hopes that one person will eventually step up to be a coordinator.

For more information, or to sign up for a garden space, call Taylor at 541-523-7881.