— by Antoinette Botsford —
The Fern Street “Extension” parcel — ideal for a community garden?
The Eastsound Planning Review committee (EPRC), County Public Works and the County Council from time to time discuss what is to be done with the lot, 50×100, that is bordered by Prune Alley on one end and North Beach Road on the other — the Fern Street Extension. Since being vacated by the Senior Center in 2003, it has been used in an ad hoc way by various groups interested in gardening, sustainability, and in raising food for the food bank.
People interested in additional parking and using the area as a “transportation hub” have also said their piece, and the current EPRC recommendations (in the Eastsound Sub-Area Plan to go before the Planning Commission and the Council in the next few months), include a proposal to designate it as such, albeit the staff report for the plan says the recommendations are suggestions, not certainties. The lot was purchased by the County Department of Public Works, and there have been EPRC discussions about how “locked in” Public Works is to the design of this “Transportation Hub.”
A few years ago this parcel (bordered by privately-owned lots) was gardened by “FEAST” — or “Farm Education and Sustainability for Teens” a summer program to educate young people in the ways of growing food.
Then another section of this same plot was dug and planted by some enthusiasts who did not have garden space of their own. Enthusiasm dwindled when they realized that the well was no longer usable.
In the meantime, the existing garden is primarily cultivated by Jeanne Morris, who is also stewarding an inherited colony of bees. Jeanne is growing food for the Food Bank and for herself and flowers for the bees. Because of water problems, much of this land is now fallow. A civic-minded person gave 500 gallons of water, which has been very helpful, and the neighbors have also given water from time to time.
Many people refer to this space as the “Community Garden” and hope that it can be developed into something more productive and participatory. Its location — near the Food Coop, Historical Museum, Village Green, etc., seems perfect for this purpose. It is also a sunny and warm spot, good for growing. The dream is to have some kind of water catchment system (perhaps coming from the gutters of nearby buildings). Before that, the beds need to be redesigned for aesthetic layout, good use of water and to provide plenty of forage for the honeybees.
As probably we all know, the population of pollinators is suffering in many parts of the world, honeybees in particular. Anything that supports honeybees will be of great benefit to the need for growing more food to feed a burgeoning population.
This modest bit of land in the heart of Eastsound could become a model garden to educate people in how to raise vegetables, conserve water, and encourage pollinators. Those doing the work could be enthusiasts who do not have their own land. And as the person who is gardening in the adjacent lot, I would be happy to add my own experience with the worm bin situated in the shady corner near the septic lids. Worm bins do much to recycle food waste (other than meat and dairy) while defeating the rodent population. Their waste creates the richest planting material imaginable.
In addition to the vegetable-flower garden, there are a number of old, but still very productive, fruit trees. All of these have, from time to time, been pruned by good-hearted volunteers and their fruit harvested by various people. They would benefit from dormant spraying and more regular pruning.
Many of us want to see this land become a demonstration garden in which all are welcome–a garden with a winding path going from Fern Street to North Beach Road, with a bench or two. Near the gate could be a sign explaining the purpose of the garden with contact information. In the best of worlds there would be a paid employee who would be a volunteer coordinator, tend to the water issues, and schedule the times for planting and bee maintenance.
In my own vision, local garden clubs would be available to consult and to provide at least some of the materials. Water rights would be worked out with adjacent property owners, and perhaps a special rate could be realized. At the same time, some sort of rainwater catchment system might be created.
For this to work out, a lot has to happen. But the first priority is the need to know whether this use of the land would be something the community overall would appreciate (more than for parking and a transportation hub), be proud of and take part in.
Letters to the Council and to the County Manager, public comments at EPRC and Council meetings would enlighten county government and island residents as to islanders’ motivation to reclaim this garden and move the cause forward.
I have not been able to learn whether this county-owned land could be used long-term for such a garden, or if, of necessity, it must used for another purpose. Is this something that Public Works could approve of?
If some resolution or direction were to be determined, interested parties could apply for a grant, maybe arrange something for the water, and re-shape the earth so that the land could be better used and become an aesthetic delight for the benefit of all.
If you are interested, please email redstorybird@gmail.com with “Community Garden” in the subject line.
I like your vision and would help!
This is a solid purposeful idea that has many positives and likely many hurdles for it to succeed but that is nothing new to Orcas islanders.
I think a community garden would be a very positive addition to our downtown area. Not only for residents/gardeners but for tourists as well. What a great idea! I hope it can happen.
What is the risk of hosting bee hives in the most densely populated area of the island? Allergic reactions to bee stings can be quite severe. Has the County approved using their property as a home for bees?
In response to Paul’s query… What are classified as ‘bee stings’ by most in the general public, in reality are allergic reactions to yellow jacket ( or wasp) stings. Seldom are people stung by bees, either honey, mason or bumble bees. Bumble bees die if they sting… & are not easily threatened or aroused. The same is true for mason & honey bees.
On the other hand, quite literally, yellow jackets who are WASPS & NOT bees, can & do frequently act aggressive, often without any seemingly overt provocation, especially later in the summer when daylight hours begin to lessen. Wasps can sting more than once & live to tell about it… whereas bees die immediately.
‘Has the county approved using their property as a home for bees’? I would certainly hope they do so. Bee hives are an attractive addition to any garden,even one in the heart of Eastsound. In addition, they are very interesting & observable, from a realistic & common sense distance.
Please stop & reassess the situation, before giving bees a ‘bad name’. It’s yellow jackets, bald face hornets & their like who can be the troublemakers in this story… NOT BEES.
Thank you for the excellent and thoughtful article Antoinette. I too would like to see a community demonstration garden rather than a transportation hub, and would be willing to join my name and effort with yours in that pursuit.
I also agree with Robin that yellow jackets and hornets are far more aggressive and therefore potentially dangerous than bees. Bees should be part of any healthy garden or orchard as they help to pollinate everything. I am allergic to most wasp and hornet bites but have kept beehives in my own garden without incident. I would love to see beekeeping in a demonstration garden.
I’m still struggling with the meaning and purpose of a “transportation hub” on an island with 4000 people and no public transportation to speak of. It may be that the County purchased this parcel with road funds and as a result there are limits on its use. (Surely the Prosecuting Attorney can provide this answer?) Even that doesn’t warrant the creation of something so out-of-island-character as a transportation hub, however.
Thank you for such an articulate presentation of the case for maintaining this parcel as a community garden w/ the addition of a “winding path” connecting Prune Alley w/ N. Beach Rd.
There are also other compelling visions floating around, including use of the site for outdoor art and sculpture. In addition, portions of the site which front on Prune Alley and N. Beach Rd. should, IMHO, allow for continuation of our sidewalks, curbs, on-street parking, and landscaping features of our village streetscape.
When the matter of a Transportation Hub was before EPRC, I was the sole dissenting vote and continue to believe that designating this land as such is premature in the extreme.
I believe that a collaborative effort by local design professionals and engaged citizens…including gardeners, artists, non-motorized transportation advocates and the owners of the abutting lots…will yield a design which would have broad-based community support and contribute to vitality in the core of our village.
Great idea, Antoinette!
Transportation hub? OH NO, Mr. Bill! Garden , bees, worms, sculpture, paths..yes,yes.
A public garden with bees, or “transportation hub”…which will it be? Golly, that’s a really hard choice.
I suppose that I’d vote for “transportation hub,” but only after the subway or monorail had already been built. To create a “transportation hub” long before there’s any viable public transportation seems somehow, well, silly.
So, I guess that the ex-senior-center lot is going to have to be a public garden, with bees.
Well, bees certainly do a lot of, um, transportation. Right?
I guess we should contact Public Works to see what their plan is for a “Transportation Hub”…..is that another word for parking lot!! Great editorial Antoinette. I love the idea of a community garden of some sort and bee hives and have been saddened that I can’t walk through the gates anymore. Everyone loves a garden, even tourists! It exemplifies our island way of life too. Is there an issue about water? Senior Center used to be there, I would think water would be there too. And Yes, bees hardly ever sting. I work in my garden surrounded by bees….it is the yellow jackets that are the problem.
As one who is allergic to “bee” stings…yes, Robin, it is pretty rare for the honey bees to be the culprit. Other than that, if you are allergic you should probably find out which insect you are going to react badly to and carry your ana-kit in case you do get stung. It is pretty much common sense and without the pollinating bees none of us would survive anyhow! Merry
Why not make it both things, a parking lot, and a vegetable and flower garden. There could be raised beds in between the parking slots and lamp post where flower baskets can hang for the bees. There could be a contest to see who comes up with the best design. Public works should pay for most of it or there could be a fundraiser to help raise money to help build it. This way everyone wins.