Hustle, bustle and blooms at the Pelican community gardens

Pictured at the Pelican Rapids Community Garden plots, Julie Tunheim and Donna Richgels, of the “Growing Together” group which advocates for the community garden, and contributing fresh produce to the Pelican food shelf.
The community garden is located beneath the water tower, on the north end of town.

The success of the Pelican Rapids Community Garden is clearly evident–and growing–beneath the  city water tower on the north side of town.

At least 5 plots were added, now totalling some 34, and by the time this article goes to press–all of them will probably be spoken for.  

It’s a busy spot, with lots of activity–even during some of the warmest hours recently.  

Gardeners have a second option if they were unable to reserve a spot this year at the Pelican Rapids Community Garden.  Gardeners are invited to join  in a “gardening together” option.

The group gardening option is a fun opportunity to make new friends, share gardening knowledge and grow terrific fresh food. The group has met twice a week to plant, weed, water and harvest vegetables. All levels of experience are welcome, from beginners to those with years of gardening knowledge.

Janet Lindberg, who coordinates the group garden, says its mission is to create a safe space for community members to meet new friends and grow healthy food and relationships. The communal nature of the garden divides up the work and the harvest equally.

One of the best things about the group garden is the flexibility, says Julie Tunheim, one of last year’s gardening together participants. “Responsibility is shared, so the garden survives and even thrives when you can’t be there for a week,” said Tunheim.

Last year’s gardeners had first rights on reserving their old gardens and gardeners have access to water, hoses and some basic garden tools. Each gardener is responsible for planting, weeding and harvesting his or her crop and for keeping the area tidy. Fall cleanup is expected to be complete two weeks after the first hard frost. 

A $20 donation helps cover costs.

The city arranged for water at the site. 

Gardeners are encouraged to donate their extra produce to the local food shelf, which accepts donations throughout the season.

Janet Lindberg is in charge of the gardening together group and has set Monday, 5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m., for group gardening, but the schedule can be adjusted to participants’ schedules. Call or text her at 218-731-9224.

For information on the Community Garden contact Tunheim at 218-849-1426 or stop by the Pelican Rapids Public Library.

One Vegetable, One Community

The One Vegetable, One Community healthy eating initiative is underway. 

The vegetable chosen was rainbow carrots. And–it’s still not too late to plant carrots. 

 As in other years, free seed kits are available at a variety of places, including the Pelican Rapids Public Library and The Welcome Place. 

For more information, contact Jackie Larson at 218-998-8760 or Kathy Jordahl at The Welcome Place 218-863-2260.