Community Gardens
About the Gardens | Seasonal Garden Tips | Tribute to Henry
About the Community Gardens
The Community Gardens, located on Cole Street, began in 1996 and continues to provide a place of peace and enjoyment for gardeners, the opportunity for Beverly citizens to grow their own food, a beautiful area of open space, and food for hungry families.
Over the last few years, the gardens have flourished. Thousands of pounds of produce have gone to feed both the families of the gardeners as well as the needy families who come to our food pantry. Many resources, including funds, donated supplies, and vast amounts of volunteer hours have been invested in the beautification of the Community Gardens.
Our garden consist of 20 plots, which community gardeners tend to for their own use, along with 16 raised beds that supply our Food Pantry. The average plot size is approximately 17’ x 25’.
If you are interested in a plot in the Community Garden, please email Julia Andrews. We currently have a wait list of over 20 individuals.
Seasonal Garden Tips from Carmen (Community Gardner)
- When you have a jacket on, you may plant hardy perennials, trees and shrubs.
- When you have a sweatshirt on, you may plant tender perennials and hardy annuals (e.g.: rosemary, cornflowers, snapdragons and pansies.)
- When you have a flannel shirt on, you may plant half-hardy annuals (e.g.: dahlias and phlox.)
- When you have a t-shirt on, you may plant tender annuals (e.g.: basil, zinnias, impatiens and tomatoes.)
A Special Tribute to Henry
On June 6, 2000 we said good bye to a friend; a man who was a fine example of what giving to a community really means. From advising each of us on how to grow our crops to mowing the grass each week with his own mower, Henry Rodden was always there to help.
It was Henry's idea to give juveniles slated for community service a chance to work in the garden. It was Henry who took them under his paternal wing, offering them self-respect and vegetables for their families.
He will never be forgotten. Each time we water our gardens, we will think of him. When we have a chance to give to our community, we will remember his example and get to work.
Henry left behind some huge shoes to fill! But he also left behind many hearts and spirits who are that much larger for having known him.
Adapted from an editorial by Shella Ouellette, Bootstraps Gardener
