NORWAY — On Sunday, March 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Fare Share Commons, the Alan Day Community Garden will host an open meeting featuring a bulk seed order.

This community garden is germinating its fourth year and hopes to continue to build on its past success. Located on Whitman Street, across from the Norway Grange, the three-acre parcel of land is becoming more and more fertile as the years go by. Volunteers have built a composting system that feeds the soil and each year, compost and loam are added to what was previously a vacant lot to create beds for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Begun in 2009 to honor the memory of Alan Day, local philanthropist, father, artist and community leader, the garden has this as its mission: to cooperatively create an educational demonstration garden using organic, sustainable methods to support an enduring community food system. Led in part by Alan’s two daughters, Emma and Ruby DayBranch, and their mother, Katey Branch, it has grown from three small beds to include more than 20 raised beds along with more than a dozen rows cultivated by individuals, families and even organizations.

For only $20, anyone can “rent” a half-row at the garden and grow his or her own food (or $10 for a raised bed).

In 2010, volunteers built an elaborate catchment system that now provides plenty of water on a lot that contains no traditional plumbing. Volunteers hope to install a composting toilet on the site this summer that will serve as a model and inspiration for other places and families. There are also plans to add kiwi trees and other perennials.

The garden serves our area youth in many ways. Last year, the garden supported four Oxford Hills students who participated in a program called Rooted in Community. The program taught young people about community gardens and food security. Classes from the Rowe School and the Ganderia School have used the garden as an extended classroom and at least six seniors at OHCHS have contributed to the garden in their senior projects. Workshops in areas such as composting, permaculture, seed saving, scything and even yoga-for-gardeners are open to the public.

Since all gardens begin with seeds, that’s where this one will begin on March 11. Those who would like to participate in a bulk seed order should bring wish lists and checkbooks and meet some of the best gardeners and community organizers in the area. For more information, contact Garden Coordinator Rocky Crockett at AlanDayCommunityGarden@gmail.com or visit the website at alandaygarden.wordpress.com.

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