20 May 2014

One of the best ways to reclaimed unused space is to turn it into a garden. It's even better if that space brings people together, provides food for those in need, and offers people the opportunity to learn more about making healthy choices. The Salvation Army in Tacoma is using a portion of an empty lot to do just that. Neighbors driving by have been intrigued with the activity going on at the corner of 12th and Union and now it's plain for all to see. With the help of the community, thirty wood boxes were built and filled with Tagro potting soil, generously supplied by the City of Tacoma. Plants have been donated, planted, watered, and nurtured by employees, neighbors, volunteers, and even shelter residents - all of whom are playing a part in this exciting venture.

In addition to the food that will be provided from the garden to the Food Bank and the Emergency Shelter, classes will be offered that teach people how to prepare and preserve food. These classes will include instruction on pickling, dehydrating, making jams, as well as how to use herbs for things like herb-infused vinegar, herbal soaps and lotions, not to mention some unconventional ideas. "We might even try some homemade lavender ice cream," says Major Martha Sheppard.

     

A few of the boxes have been adopted by veterans, local neighbors, and senior citizens. "We hope to have one or two of the beds raised so that even someone in a wheelchair can enjoy the feeling of getting their hands in the dirt." The food raised by these gardeners goes home with them, but everyone will share in the summertime harvest dinners and lunches that are being planned.

A noon-time celebration is being planned for Thursday, May 15 at the garden on the corner of 12th and Union (1110 S. Puget Sound) in Tacoma. Come and enjoy some soup and salad, make a stepping stone while you are there, and even take home a flower of your own.

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Related:  The Salvation Army begins aquaponics project in Anaheim, California. Read more about it HERE.

Related:  The Salvation Army helps build sustainable farms in the Phillipines. Read more about it HERE.