RADFORD – Plans are underway for the second season of Radford’s Community Garden, with plans for more plots, easier watering and more participation from community members.
Radford resident Jim Graham came up with the idea for the garden last spring and presented it to members of Radford City Council, who gave their approval of the garden located along New River Drive in Radford. Monday, Graham returned to city council with a successful season under his belt and ready for an even bigger, better garden for this year.
“Seven of our 10 plots were used last year, which I think was a success,” Graham said. “This year, I’ve already gotten requests from citizens, so I’m hoping this year we can expand it.”
Graham has teamed up with Radford University graduate student Brittany Gerald, who plans to set up a blog detailing the progression of the garden throughout the season and garner support for the garden from her fellow students. Gerald said she thinks students will enjoy growing fresh produce and will be eager volunteers to help prepare the plots, which involves moving countless heavy rocks, tilling and more. Gerald said she also hopes to start composting at the site.
Graham and Gerald said they hope to double the size of last year’s garden, which included 10 plots measuring 15-feet by 15-feet. They also plan to help mitigate the lack of water at the site with several rain barrels. Radford Tourism Coordinator Deb Cooney said on Monday that the tourism department will be leading a rain barrel workshop in Bisset Park this spring and some of those barrels can be used at the site.
Graham said any food not used by the citizens who tend to the plots will be donated to local food banks.
