After getting a grant from First Federal, the Community Organic Garden of Sequim is installing new sidewalks.

Previously crushed cedar, the walkways between sites at the garden now are compacted gravel with larger, decorative rocks lining the main path through the garden.

The crushed gravel is more stable and safer, according to Liz Harper, Community Organic Garden of Sequim publicity chairwoman.

"We have a lot of older people gardening here and we wanted to make sure the paths are safe," Harper said.

"We feel like getting these paths in will really complete the garden and we are thankful to First Federal for the grant and everybody else who's pitched in."

Any money left over from the $3,336 donation will go toward buying water filters to prevent chlorine from killing microorganisms critical to organic garden, paving the floor of the pergola and building a sixth raised bed.

In the future, Harper said she envisions more community organic gardens throughout Sequim, much like the existing one next to St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Fifth Avenue.

"We'd love to have another garden, but the next one will need some money behind it," Harper said.

"My goal is to have a string of these in Sequim, but that will take more than just volunteers."

According to Harper, Sequim is in the forefront of an organic gardening trend.

"You can't turn on the television without hearing about organic gardening," she said.

"Even Michelle Obama is doing it."

The community garden, comprised of 35 plots, is full and has a waiting list for next year.

For more information, call Harper at 683-7698.

Ashley Miller can be reached at

ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.