community garden
- At Sally's YMCA, Denver, NC -
A Co-Op Garden supporting the Lake Norman Food Mission in Lincoln County, North Carolina
- About Us -
A NEW VISION FOR 2025
Sally’s YMCA, the sponsor for the the E. Lincoln Community Garden (ELCG), came under new ownership by the Catawba Valley YMCA (CVYMCA) organization in the Fall of 2024. As part of reviewing all of Sally’s YMCA programs, collaborative discussions focused on the Community Garden − its aging infrastructure and how the garden serves the community. Based on garden history, a renewed vision for the ELCG in 2025 was presented with two revised mission areas: (1) changing from personal use individual garden bed lease garden to a cooperative garden supporting the Lake Norman Food Mission, and (2) an educational garden venue for YMCA youth groups, local school students, Extension 4-H, Scouts, and other educational partnerships.
To help achieve these goals, Catawba Valley YMCA provided funding for long-overdue infrastructure improvements. Projects are in progress and will be completed before the ELCG reopens in April 2025.
THE GARDEN
Security – a fully fenced and locked garden area. Visitors can only enter the garden with an escort. Fencing prevents local foraging animals from damaging plants & produce.
Use of a 4’W x 12’L raised garden bed. Annual soil testing performed by Extension Master GardenersSM. Lab analysis completed by the NC Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Soil treated by the Garden Manager based on soil test results.
Garden amenities – Timed drip irrigation provided to each bed. Hoses on site for supplemental watering, tool cleaning, and personal hygiene. Common garden tools available for gardener use, secured in the on-site tool shed.
A dedicated ELCG Management Team – available to troubleshoot/correct problems as the occur.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer (EMGV) expertise – available to help gardeners get the most from their time and efforts.
SINCE 2011
OUR STORY
In 2011, a group of dedicated Lincoln County residents saw the value and need for establishing a place to bring people with a common interest together − a community garden. They invested weeks, months, and years of sweat equity to build the garden from the ground up to what it is today. Through 2024, the garden hosted beginner and experienced gardeners alike, growing favorite fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Produce was enjoyed by the gardeners and their families. An excess portion of produce went to local agencies maintaining food distribution capabilities for County residents in need. More recently, the community garden became and educational venue for school groups, YMCA Summer Camp youth, Scouts, and new Extension Master GardenerSM students and interns. Over the years, Lincoln County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers were also integral to creating and improving the garden infrastructure and serving the needs of its gardeners as educators.
