Monday, March 2, 2009

Out on the Streets: East Dallas Community Garden

I've been building up to this for a couple of days. This is the most exciting local garden find I have come across in years.

This is the East Dallas Community Garden located at 1416 N. Fitzhugh between Ross and Bryan streets. It is located just behind Jimmy's Store.

This community garden was established in 1987 to assist south east Asian refugees.
 
The gardeners sell produce to pay for water, purchase seeds and offset other gardening related costs.
 
Many of us are rallying around the "Buy Local" movement. To me this is more than just buying local, it is providing support and resources to this little community niche.
 
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Remember all the produce I came home with on Saturday for very little coin. We thought they were selling themselves short, but the point is to provide funds for the garden, not making a large profit.

I talked briefly to a gardener who spoke a little English. She said that most of the gardeners were elderly and on SSI benefits. She feels like it helps them get out and exercise. Two large plots rent for $30 a year.

Now go check out the other On The Street Posts hosted by VP.

12 comments:

  1. I didn't know that existed! Funny how wonderful things exist under our very noses! Sounds like you've been having a blast in Dallas.

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  2. I agree! It is a wonderful thing. I would much rather support their efforts than the local grocery store chain.
    Brenda

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  3. That really is a worthy of supporting. I know you love the bargain and they get the business. Looks like it's set up nicely.

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  4. Sounds fantastic, Debbi! What a wonderful find. There's no feeling like finding something you can wholeheartedly support and that benefits you, too!

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  5. What a fun find Deb! I hope you enjoy visiting often & buys lots of yummy produce for the family.

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  6. Nola, I packed three days of posts into one day out of Tiny Town Texas. I need to get out more.

    Brenda, Absolutely.

    Anna, it is a real working garden.

    OFB, I am just glad I found something beside farmers market, which sells stuff from all over the place. Yet, still, I love it too.

    Racquel, we already have plans to return with the rest of the library ladies.

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  7. Debbi - that's a fantastic find and exactly what I was hoping Out on the Streets would deliver.

    And it was great how you lead us all in with your previous posts too :)

    Thanks so much for joining in!

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  8. I think I have heard about this. Isn't it a wonderful idea! Like a victory garden. Glad you found such a treasure.

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  9. That sounds like a wonderful place to support. It's great that they aren't looking for big money, it sounds like a well balanced relationship with everyone helping others. That's what community is all about.

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  10. That's way cool! What a wonderful effort to support.

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  11. Hi VP, it was fun to participate. I am just glad I came across this little garden before the group post.

    Linda, You should check it out. I can't believe how much stuff we got for cheap.

    Cinj, It was a great find.

    Thanks Kim and Victoria.

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  12. Aunt Debbi

    I am so happy that you found our wonderful East Dallas Community Garden. I am most fortunate to be the director of a nonprofit, Gardeners in Community Development (www.gardendallas.org) which assists these gardeners and several other community gardening groups across Dallas.
    Hey, we have a great plant sale at the 1416 N Fitzhugh site on April 18 and 19. Please come buy some plants.
    Don

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