Community Garden adds raised beds

By Matthew Nash • April 21, 2021 1:30 am
Gardeners Bob Caldwell and Sue Scott work together on April 17 to build one of the walls of a raised bed in the Fir Street Community Garden. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
Gardeners Bob Caldwell and Sue Scott work together on April 17 to build one of the walls of a raised bed in the Fir Street Community Garden. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

For people of all ages and abilities, organizers of the Fir Street Community Garden of Sequim added some new raised beds.

Last Saturday, gardeners with the Community Organic Gardens of Sequim came together to build five raised beds in the garden at 525 N. Fifth Ave.

Gardener Bob Caldwell said they’ve planned to add the beds for about a month, and he picked up the wood and metal and pre-drilled the supplies to make work smoother.

Fellow gardener Liz Harper said they knew for some time they needed to add more raised beds because of their high demand.

“They’re easy to garden in and great for anyone,” Harper said.

One of the five raised beds is spoken for, but four remain available along with one ground plot. To inquire on availability, call Harper at 360-477-4881.

Fees are $45 a year for a bed or plot, which includes a bag of compost from the Co-Op, compost from Lazy J Tree Farm and water.

All raised beds consist of compost, Harper said.

Participants share community service hours ranging from weeding pathways and community plots of blueberries and flowers to making signs and/or calling fellow gardeners with messages.

Harper said they try to accommodate people of all abilities.

“My feeling is that it’s a community first, and a garden second,” she said.

“One gardener got sick but rather than give it up, other gardeners stepped up to offer to care for her beds.

“People help each other and learn from each other.”

Harper added that a neighbor of the garden offered to use his address for clippings pick-up, too.

John Anzalotti and Bruce Barden work together to build a raised bed as Jaimi Primrose gathers compost for the new bed at the Fir Street Community Garden. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

John Anzalotti and Bruce Barden work together to build a raised bed as Jaimi Primrose gathers compost for the new bed at the Fir Street Community Garden. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Gardeners, from left, Sue Scott, Bob Caldwell, John Anzalotti, Joanne White and Jaimi Primrose work together to build one of five new raised beds at the Fir Street Community Garden on Saturday. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Gardeners, from left, Sue Scott, Bob Caldwell, John Anzalotti, Joanne White and Jaimi Primrose work together to build one of five new raised beds at the Fir Street Community Garden on Saturday. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Community Organic Gardens of Sequim (COGS) recently added five new raised beds on Fir Street. Those interested in a raised bed or plot, can contact Liz Harper at 360-477-4881. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Community Organic Gardens of Sequim (COGS) recently added five new raised beds on Fir Street. Those interested in a raised bed or plot, can contact Liz Harper at 360-477-4881. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash