By Cole Bedics*
Did you know that you have the opportunity to grow your own plants and food right here in Auburn? It doesn’t matter if you live in a residence hall or tiny apartment, because you have access to the Community Garden at Auburn University. Where you can rent a plot and use it to grow anything from wildflowers to dinner ingredients. It is a great opportunity found nowhere else in Auburn where anyone, both students and non-students can rent a plot and get dirty, chasing their wildest garden dreams.
Located across from the facilities management complex on West Samford Avenue, the Community Garden is unassuming in the winter but, this piece of land turns into a lush, diverse patch of flowers and plants come spring. While gardening and community may not be immediately associated with each other, you would be surprised how quickly you can strike up a conversation with your garden neighbors.
Let’s just say you don’t have the time to garden on your own. I get it; it is rewarding work, but sometimes it can be time consuming. Luckily, you do not have to rent your own plot to get your green thumb going, and instead, you can join groups that keep gardens for their members. One group doing this is the Permaculture Tigers at Auburn University, who have a plot where they can demonstrate permaculture techniques. If you are interested in permaculture or getting into the garden, I would give them a look. This could be a great opportunity to find your community!
Find yourself a group to build your garden community!
A 96–square–foot plot here costs about $72 per year. The price, I think, is well worth it, as the garden supplies a lot of things that make your life easier. There are wheelbarrows, shovels, and other tools to borrow and return. There is a community compost bin that you can contribute to and take from. Gardening can be especially rewarding when you have people that you can work in the garden with. Together, you can see the transformation of your plot from barren soil to a lush green patch. Seeing your efforts pay off after all the work, and attention is a wonderful feeling. I would be so excited to go to the garden after class to water my plants. I would get there right at the golden hour, say hello to my garden neighbors, and admire the sunset, the breeze, and the plants.
Sometimes that hard work pays off!
Another great resource to get you started gardening in Auburn is the Auburn Public Library’s Seed Library, where you can borrow, grow and share seeds from their collection. This program is offered in partnership with Auburn High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA). Also at the Auburn Public Library is the Propagation Station, which is very similar to the seed library, but you take, swap, or donate (preferably rooted) plant cuttings.
If you are interested in getting a plot, visit: The Community Garden at Auburn University and email: community.garden@auburn.edu. Be sure to do so soon as annual plots are available to rent now! Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the City of Auburn Library’s seeds, and propagations. Gardening is not a far reach at Auburn University, utilizing our university and city’s resources to get yourself out there in the dirt. During this season of community, find your green thumb and your people at the community garden.
Cole Bedics is the Engagement Coordinator of the Office of Sustainability.
