Community Garden FAQ
What is a C-Garden? An opportunity to help improve the quality of life of low-income households and other members of the community by helping them grow their own nutritious fruits and vegetables. Member gardeners develop self-reliance, knowledge about nutrition and an appreciation for the environment, while enjoying exercise, social interaction and the satisfaction of growing their own food.
Where is our C-Garden? Our garden is located at 525 S. Pleasant, Independence. It is a small lot (38’ by 157’), but will make a very manageable area for us to learn the ins and outs of operating a C-Garden. (MAP)
Why have a C-Garden? Because it’s in our DNA. The context of life and mission is Community. God created humanity to live in partnership with one another, life was not meant to be a solo endeavor. God is in business of creating a people for his own name’s reputation, thrusting his people into his grand mission. Life transformation and partnership for God’s grand mission happens in the context of community. The radical generosity of God moves us to serve our world. God’s great generosity is displayed in the mere fact that we exist. God did not need to create, he wasn’t lonely, he wasn’t wanting for attention. But his greatest display of generosity is seen in the mangled, crucified body of his son, Jesus. It is through his life, death, and resurrection that we can experience life. Because of God’s great generosity displayed in Jesus, we will seek to become generous with our lives, our talents, our resources, and our finances for the benefit of our world.
How will the C-Garden work? Member gardeners (families or individuals) sign a membership agreement and pay a nominal annual fee (approx $15/year). For that fee they get an assigned garden area which can be a raised bed or a plowed plot and access to water. Each member is responsible for planting, maintaining and harvesting their own garden. As garden managers, LifeConnection is responsible for maintenance of the common areas, development of the garden areas to be rented and provision of common needs like basic tools, tilling and water.
Why is the City of Independence involved? The City has an active and growing C-Garden program which they are continually looking to expand. They control several pieces of vacant property around the City which would make good C-Gardens. But the City lacks the resources to operate these potential gardens on an on-going basis. That’s where LifeConnection comes in.
What is the City doing for us? First and foremost they are giving us free use of the property to develop a LifeConnection managed C-Garden. They are also working closely with us to help acquire insurance, fencing, materials, water, tree removal, signs and other garden necessities.
What are we doing for the City? Agreeing to operate a C-Garden for the benefit of the surrounding community and the City. Primarily, we will provide manpower and other resources to develop, operate and maintain the C-Garden on South Pleasant.
What are our available resources? They are as many and varied as our members can bring to this project. But a primary resource will be Kansas City Community Gardens. Our garden will be a Community Partner Garden under the KCCG umbrella. This relationship will bring inexpensive insurance for LifeConnection and free or deeply discounted seeds and plants for our member gardeners along with other benefits. Here’s a link to their site – KCCG
How can you help? Volunteer! We need to form a team of four to six committed individuals to guide and direct the operation of the garden. We also need volunteers to help with our general duties of preparing, operating and maintaining the garden on an as needed basis. Commit resources! There will be plenty of opportunities to help meet the needs of the garden. Pray! The success of the garden in meeting physical and spiritual needs depends on God working through the prayer of his people! Specifically, we need prayer for God to open doors with the property owners on both sides of our lot. Please ask God for His presence as we build these relationships.
To help in any way or to receive garden updates, contact Maurice Arnall.
And don’t forget, Community Garden Work Day – Saturday, May 1.
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