| JULY 20, 2013 -- The Wolcott Grange has received a $3,775 grant to build a community garden next to its historic building at 313 Boundline Road.
The garden, which is currently under construction, will be used to grow herbs, vegetables, flowers and fruits that will be shared with the community.
"There is nothing more satisfying than watching a garden grow and sharing it with our community," said Cathy Kirschbaum, secretary of the Wolcott Grange. "We want to educate the community and bring our kids back to nature."
Kirschbaum, who wrote the grant request, envisions the garden being used as an educational tool for school classes studying the environment. The garden will feature signs with information about each plant.
Also, it will be open to the public and anyone seeking a place to relax. "Once it's up and running, we'd love to have a bird bath going with a fountain," Kirschbaum said.
The plants will be grown and maintained by Grange members — which is fitting for the Grange, whose mission is to promote husbandry and agriculture.
The herbs, fruits and vegetables will be distributed to local food banks and to the Wolcott Senior Center, Kirschbaum said. The flowers will be used to create bouquets for patients at Wolcott View Manor.
Another goal is to promote recycling, which will be accomplished by using recycled items to create the garden, such as using pieces of tires as planters, Kirschbaum said.
The garden will be located on the south side of the Grange building. It will be visible from Boundline Road and from the Town Green. On the other side, facing Center Street, the Grange plans to install a bench and picnic area.
By fall, Kirschbaum said, the garden will be ready for bulbs, two apple trees and blueberry bushes to be planted. In the spring, the Grange will plant annuals, herbs and vegetables.
The $3,750 grant is administered by Main Street Community Foundation in Bristol. The money comes from a variety of sources, including the Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, the Fuller and Myrtle Barnes Fund for Education, the Edward W. and Audrey K. Mink Memorial Fund and the Merriman Family Fund. |
