City Seeks Gardeners to Build Community

There really isn't a better metaphor for the evolution of a community garden concept in Marlborough than, well, a garden.

The idea blossomed years ago, died down, and sprouted new life again within the last year.

"Over the years, we've received calls on it," Conservation Officer Priscilla Ryder said. "Now, it's in progress. So, you guys who've told us you want a garden, come out (on Thursday) if you really do!"

The city will host a , which is being built on a plot of Cider Knoll conservation land off Stow Road.

The garden has been planned by the Conservation Commission and will be prepared by volunteers. The , Boy Scout Mitch McLean, Second Saturday at Grace Baptist Church, and other volunteers will ensure that plots are plowed, stones are removed, and fences and compost bins are installed for planting season. 

"We're hoping we'll have it ready to plant by the middle of May," Ryder said.

Twenty 20-foot by 10-foot plots will be available to rent; they will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. The fee covers cover the cost of plowing, manure spreading, staking, water and incidentals.  

Interested residents need not be expert gardeners; novices are also welcome. 

"There may be people who would like to garden but they don't have yards, or their yards are full of shade," Ryder said. "Sometimes, it's just fun to garden with others."

The land on which the garden is being constructed is part of 100 acres of conservation land that used to be a turkey farm. The city bought it in the 1990s from the Mello family as part of a collection of open spaces.

"My hope," Ryder said, "is that eventually, we can get something closer to downtown. But this is our first shot."

For more information, contact Ryder at 508-460-3768 or pryder@Marlborough-ma.gov.