Sedona, AZ - In these cold days of
winter, it may seem odd to turn one's thoughts
to gardening, but in communities all across the
country people are joining together to create
community gardens.
Wikipedia provides this definition: "A Community
Garden is a piece of land gardened by a group of
people. Community gardens provide access to
fresh produce and plants as well as access to
satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement,
sense of community and connection to the
environment. They are publicly functioning in
terms of ownership, access and management, as
well as typically owned in trust by local
governments or nonprofits."
Is there an interest for a community garden in
Sedona? Where might one be located? If such
gardens are "typically owned in trust by local
governments or nonprofits" could it be done
here?
Numerous times through the years, small groups
of Sedonans have broached the topic in public
meetings. Given the possibility that a community
garden could be established, might more people
come forward?
One idea for location is the property attached
to the City of Sedona's sewer plant. It has lots
of water currently being sprayed on trees and
open land, but Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) might prove
challenging due to regulations on the use of
that water. This site would require an agreement
with local government under a formal structure.
Another wonderful site, one that has already
proven it is arable and productive is the Avalon
Gardens property belonging to the Global
Community Communications Alliance, formerly the
Aquarian Concepts Community. Located about half
way along the Loop Road, it is stunningly
beautiful and large. Likely, to use this ground,
a nonprofit or developer would need to purchase
it and establish the needed structure.
Each site has pros and cons that deserve to be
examined, but the idea of a community garden is
worth serious consideration. In the past, there
have been a few attempts at organizing such a
garden, but the prospect of suitable land may
now mean that it could become a reality if
enough people are willing to provide the startup
work.
In my next column, I will examine this idea in
greater depth. In the meantime, if you are
interested in the idea, please contact me.
Past Library News issues:
Sedona Library Archive
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