The Food Bank-Master Gardener Demonstration Garden began as a partnership between the University of Tennessee and The Chattanooga Area Food Bank. The intent of the partnership was to provide a teaching and demonstration garden to the urban clientele in the community. The Hamilton County Master Gardeners assisted with the planning, fund-raising and construction of the greenhouse, raised-beds and other structures. The land was cleared and the raised-beds, greenhouse and pavilion were built in 2009-10. The garden was first planted in 2010 and has been continuously improved.
The site is currently comprised of a greenhouse/pavilion, a rain garden, a butterfly/pollinator garden and a vegetable garden planted in 23 raised-beds, some of which are senior/wheelchair accessible. The rain garden collects and filters water run-off from the Food Bank warehouse roof. The butterfly/ pollinator garden attracts beneficial insects to assist with the pollination of the crops.
Sustainable gardening practices are demonstrated throughout the garden. There is a three-part compost bin for woody stems and leaves, and green cone composter is used for vegetable scraps. There is a 1000 gallon cistern to collects water from the pavilion roof for a dual watering system between rainwater and city water. Two 55-gallon rain barrels also accumulate water and a solar collector powers three pathway lights.
Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of vegetables are grown every year in the garden’s 23 raised-beds. Spring, summer and fall crops are planted annually. Harvested Produce is distributed through the Food Bank’s Emergency Food Box program.
Group classes are taught on request. The public is welcome to volunteer and learn about gardening through hands-on experiences.
Since opening in 2009 MGHC members have logged over 15,000 hours of community service at the Food Bank. They teach, build, plan, and tend the gardens. The project was the winner of the 2011 Tennessee Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award in the Demonstration Garden category.
Visit: 2009 Curtain Pole Road, Chattanooga, TN 37406 The garden is located behind the Food Bank. It can also be accessed via the Tennessee Riverwalk.
theolothel
siojojr