Canal Community Garden

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Credit: Julie Baldocchi

Situated on the corner of Bellam Blvd and Windward Way, the future garden is across the street from a walking and bike path and is easily accessible by the surrounding residential areas. The Canal neighborhood provides a significant portion of low-income housing in one of the most affluent counties in the United States. Though the neighborhood is diverse, many residents share a common tie to a strong food culture. Vietnamese and Hispanic residents in the Canal neighborhood have expressed a desire to be able to grow and produce foods important to their heritage in a community setting.

Community members participated in all phases of the garden design at numerous workshops. The final plan includes:

Raised beds for 92 gardeners/families
Greenhouse, shed, potting tables, and composting bin
Trellised outdoor classroom
Vegetated rainwater treatment and educational signage
Native planting around the perimeter
Street trees

The new design uses sustainable, environmental features, including water saving drought-tolerant plants and a rainwater catchment system to irrigate the garden beds and educate about water conservation.