I’ve always wanted to get involved in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program as some of my civilian friends do in their home areas. Since I have a blue thumb, I’d do the share buying and reap the bounty of a box of fresh produce! I know my limitations when it comes to DIY gardening. It would not be pretty.... So for now I get my produce from the commissary.
Community gardens have begun “cropping” up. According to a Garden Media Group survey, there’s been a 60% increase in the popularity of community gardens in the United States. Are military installations a part of that figure?
I had a conversation with an Army spouse who made it happen for her OCONUS community. Ann Marie Detavernier used her Blue Star Families 2010 award to create the Baumholder Military Community Garden in May of 2011. She submitted this idea to bring agriculture to her children and others and to revive part of our military past. Community gardens were common during both World Wars.
A community garden also gives families the benefit of gardening despite our nomadic lifestyle. Children can learn about the planting and growing and harvesting of fresh food with their family, friends, and neighbors. Blue thumbs like me can learn right alongside them. We can pass the plot on when it’s time to move.
Ann Marie has set up a Facebook Page if you want to learn more about the Baumholder garden or create one in your community.
Here are some CONUS gardens:
JBLM/Fort Lewis Washington- Started in the 1970’s/revitalized in 2010
Fort Hood- Opened 14 March 2011/ 4 Gardens
Andrews AFB/Liberty Park- Opened 31 May 2011
Fort Drum, NY- 14 May 2009
Fort Wainwright, Alaska- Opened in 1979
Fort Riley, Kansas
Fort Rucker, Alabama
Do you have an active community garden or one in the works at your installation?
