The North Royalton Community Garden is not only growing like gang busters this year with the summer’s bounty of fresh vegetables, but also the garden, itself, is growing in size!
The garden, since its inception has been very popular with residents, a waiting list is continually being maintained and updated. With that, there has been talk over the years about expanding the garden. Several years ago, there was a planned expansion, which was to take place with the assistance of an Eagle Scout project. Unfortunately, that did not take place. The garden committee continued to discuss various potential layouts and was able to come up with a plan, which was presented to the city. Ultimately, a plan was approved and progress has slowly been made. The house on the south side of the garden and the concrete pad on the north side of the garden was demolished last year to help prepare for a future expansion.
“We can boast that we still have eleven of our original gardeners with us, that is a long term commitment to the community. Yet we always had a long wait list. Finally now in 2020 we have expanded the garden to meet our community gardeners needs,” noted North Royalton Community Garden Coordinator, Dejana Cinquepalmi. “This garden expansion will include thirty more plots of various sizes and heights.”
Although a solid plan to expand was in place, the Garden, like many other things, suffered a setback, due to the COVID virus. Normally, it would have opened in April, it was shut down until May 9. Another problem was the water supply, which originally had come from the house that was torn down. That problem was finally rectified on June 5. Gardeners brought in their own water until that point.
On June 18, the fencing around the new section of the garden was completed, both chain link and rabbit fencing. The next day, the fencing enclosing a portion of the original garden was removed to open up the new space. The next steps are to get the water lines installed in the new section of the garden, then the new plots will be built.
“Our gardeners work very hard to maintain their plots and the entire garden. It is a source of pride for their accomplishments. Their hard work produces various organic grown food and they are more than happy to share it with our community through our Garden Produce Donation Program. Over the years ( depending on the growing season) we have been able to donate between 560 -1,408 pounds of fresh produce yearly to our seniors and the needy in our community,” said Cinquepalmi. “When this expansion is completed, we expect to be able to give back and donate so much more produce. Our garden has always been a great source of information on all things garden, is a healthy and therapeutic outdoor activity and a great meeting place for neighbors and friends who share a common garden enjoyment.”
As with any growth, there has been a number of ongoing projects. Cinquepalmi expressed gratitude to the city administration, numerous scouts and North Royalton High School students for their support. “Needless to say, we are especially proud of our Recreation Dept. for all their hard work on reconnecting the water lines, maintaining the expansion area and soon they will be placing new water lines in that area,” said Cinquepalmi. “Many of the local businesses have played a large part in our success over the years by supporting us monetarily or donating products and services. This community garden is a 501c3 non profit and we mostly run everything from yearly plot fees from our garden members. In order to be able to complete the garden this year, we are in need of lumber for the plots and soil to fill them, many tools, a shed or funds to purchase these necessary items. We are truly indebted to our community for helping this garden continue to be ‘A Beautiful Place to Grow’.”
At this time, all of the North Royalton Community Garden plots are full, but anyone interested for next year are encouraged to put their name on the waing list. Those residents interested may contact Gloria Sheppard at 440-237-7212 or through email at nrcg2015@yahoo.com. Visit our facebook page at North Royalton Community Garden for gardening ps and community garden info, at www.facebook.com/pages/North-Royalton-Community-Garden.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer