Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Community Garden

This is the (long-delayed) third installment in a series on urban gardens.

WHAT: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Community Garden
WHERE: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7125 Hitt Rd, Mobile
FOUNDED: April 2009
CONTACT: Lella Lowe, 639.1948

Back in May, Lella Lowe gave me a tour of the community garden project at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The garden (currently a demonstration garden) was conceived in April 2009 by the Redeemer Environmental Stewardship Team (REST), which “works to foster awareness of ecological issues…focus[ing] its efforts [on] environmental study, education, outreach and activism” (ECR web site).

The team took an unused plot of church land that was unsuitable for other purposes because of its steep grade, and developed a garden plan with the help of the county extension office. Terraces were built with cinderblocks and rebar, with decks in between the levels.

The garden was laid out using the popular Square Foot Gardening method and is maintained with organic techniques. The team has also begun an herb garden along another side of the church.

While at this point the garden is for demonstration purposes only, it is hoped to be a starting point for adding more plots which can be used by church and community members. An additional goal is to donate produce from the church’s plots to a food pantry.

To help fund the community garden, the REST team is making and selling 55 gallon rain barrels for $45. You can find more information at the church web site, or download this PDF.