Moreland Hills Community Garden

I’ve always been curious about victory gardens. My father-in-law used to talk about them as well as a great aunt. This type of garden first emerged during World War I as part of the war garden campaign of 1917. They were tended to by civilians producing needed food for the troops and were located in private residences and public spaces. Growing and harvesting was a way people at home could contribute and make a difference during a difficult time.

Today, Moreland Hills also has an opportunity to make a difference. Thanks to a dedicated group of students, the Moreland Hills Garden Committee was created to develop, plan and implement a community garden that will serve several purposes.

First and foremost the garden will provide a place for residents to interact with their community. Situated in our picturesque Forest Ridge Park, the garden is steps away from the hiking trails and fishing ponds off Chagrin River Road.

Second, the garden is unique because it will not only offer plots for residents to display their talented green thumbs, but it will also have a dedicated portion tended to by the garden committee. The sole purpose of this dedicated space is for growing and harvesting plants to be donated to community members in need.

Third, it will be a place for all ages to be involved. For instance, residents can “sponsor” a blueberry or raspberry bush. It is our hope that young families will see this as an opportunity to teach community service. It’s a fun, interactive way to teach kids while they’re able to visit, water, harvest, and donate the fruit.

In early March, the garden committee planted seeds with the guidance of Moreland Hills resident Alice Lubell. The seedlings are growing and will be ready to plant on the target opening date of Memorial Day weekend.

Do you have any interest? As with any community project, there are different ways to be involved. Choices include sponsoring a plant (which you can attend to or have the garden committee do so), securing a plot, donating supplies, or volunteering time. More detailed information can be found on the garden links of the Moreland Hills website.

We look forward to seeing the community garden come to fruition. The project has been rewarding to date and we are excited to greet and work with other residents throughout the summer. We hope you are too!

Kelly Ovsek & The Moreland Hills Community Garden Committee Members
Peyton and Camryn Ovsek, Ellie and Grace Durdle, and Austin Lubell

Contact us at: morelandhillscommunitygarden@gmail.com
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Visit us at www.morelandhills.com