Community Gardens in the Wilmington, Delaware Area

Driving through distressed urban areas, one is used to such sights as burnt-out houses, lots littered with garbage and chunks of broken-up cement and sidewalks devoid of any green. It's a sight that describes poverty, hopelessness and alienation. But some people refuse to let that take over their lives, and fight back with their kung-fu gardening skills?

It's true. If you've ever spied what looks like a miniature park tucked between row homes, you may have seen a community garden. It's not a new thing, although with the recent interest in sustainability and green living, the community garden is making a comeback. It's not an earth-shaking concept, but it is a surprisingly effective way to better the quality of life for city-dwellers. Whether it is organized by the city or by civic-minded residents, a community garden can bring neighbors together, increasing pride and making people feel like real stakeholders in their community. It gives kids a place to play, flowers a place to bloom, vegetable lovers a place to grow food they would not otherwise have the space for, and for everyone, a place to feel close to nature even in the concrete jungle.

In most cities, it's easy to find out if your area has any existing community gardens. Take a look in the phone book or online and check out the listings for county, city, or municipality for extension or horticultural programs. Some colleges have them as well. And if there isn't something in your area, all that means is that there is a golden opportunity for someone (you, perhaps) to generate some interest and organize your own. After all, every garden had to start somewhere.

Here in Delaware, the most highly populated and urban areas are in Wilmington, but the greater Wilmington area is through most of New Castle County. The local community gardens are spread out through various neighborhoods and each one has its own individual character. One thing they have in common is that they are all managed by the Delaware Center for Horticulture (http://www.dehort.org/index.php), a non-profit community organization dedicated to greening and educating the community about conservation, horticulture, and urban beautification.

Unfortunately, the concept of community gardening as a mainstream activity is still in its infancy. At the current time, all community gardens in the area are ventures run by the DCH. While they are open to the neighborhoods they were intended for, they are not general public and joinable - that is, you can't just decide you want to rent out a plot and find the nearest garden. But it's a great idea to visit what we have, and take away what you've learned to start a garden in your area. Here are several of the most recognizable community gardens in Delaware.

Burton-Phelan Community Garden, East Side Neighborhood - Corner of 10th and Pine Streets, Wilmington DE. Decorated with murals by local artists, this garden regularly hosts plant sales from its bounty. Proceeds go back into the community garden program. Crime has abated in this neighborhood since the garden's opening in 1997, and it has inspired many in the neighborhood to take better care of their homes and streets.

Samaritan Outreach Community Garden, Northeast Neighborhood - 14th and Claymont Streets, Wilmington DE. This garden exists as part of a homelessness assistance effort. The fruits and vegetables of the garden go to those in need, and clients are encouraged to help tend the garden as a means to teach self-sufficiency.

The Secret Garden, West Side Neighborhood - 231 Jackson Street, Wilmington DE. This is a children's garden used by the Ministry of Caring daycare. Daycare children help plant flowers, harvest vegetables, and learn about caring for the environment. The site of this garden was once an abandoned lot filled with garbage and drug tools. It's now a place where children play and explore.

Shearman Street Community Garden, East Side Neighborhood - 404 Shearman Street, Wilmington DE. This is one of the oldest community gardens in Wilmington. It has sixteen raised beds and is cared for by DCH staff and ten neighborhood families.