Community garden continues to grow
After several years of planning, Hamburg’s first community garden became available for planting in the spring of 2019. It was an instant hit with some gardeners renting up to three boxes to plant their own vegetables and flowers. Due to the demand for boxes, an additional six were built this spring, increasing the number to fifteen. Other improvements were made over the summer including planting a perennial food and medicinal garden along the back wall and adding a wildflower border along the driveway.
The garden would not be possible if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of Josh Butz, our community garden coordinator. A few years back, Josh teamed up with Heather Youpa, who initially brought the idea of building the garden to the Foundation. After finding a suitable location, Josh, Heather, and her husband provided most of the hands-on work to build it.
This growing season, Josh was the lone coordinator and was responsible for most of the maintenance. However, he held the help of several volunteers from the Zion’s Church/Journey Cafe youth group who assisted Josh in spreading mulch to keep the weeds down. This was the 2nd year the youth group assisted. In addition to helping at the garden, they also assisted Josh with weeding and maintaining several native wildlife flower beds at the Etchberger Community Park.
Additional supporters include John Cusatis from Tilapia R Us who donated the water tanks enabling us to keep water on site, Keystone Landscape Supply who donated topsoil to fill the boxes, and To the Top Tree Service for their donation of mulch. And a special thanks to Vreeland and Linda Wood who allow the Foundation the use of their property for the garden. Boxes will be available for the 2021 growing season at a cost of $30 for each box. Anyone interested should contact Our Town Foundation at 610-562-3106 or email otfmanager@aol.com.