Village Roots Garden
Encyclopedia
The Village Roots Garden is a community garden
located at 1115 E. Otjen Street in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
.
, Milwaukee Urban Gardens (MUG), and the South Community Organization.
On February 20, 2002, the South Community Organization donated the vacant lot to Milwaukee Urban Gardens, a nonprofit land trust
. The lot became Milwaukee Urban Garden’s first owned property, and the Bay View Garden and Yard Society
(an LGBT
and gay-friendly organization) soon began developing the empty lot into Bay View’s first community garden
.
The Bay View Garden and Yard Society
members provided the labor, maintenance, and most of the plants for the land, and hired a landscaper to create a blueprint for the property. To prepare the lot, members dedicated their time and sweat equity to removing brush, cutting down trees, hauling topsoil
and mulch
, and keeping up with crops of weeds. In 2002, the group laid out the garden pathways and constructed the raised vegetable and flowerbeds
for rental to the community.
In 2003, more pathways were plotted and beds for support plantings were added. Near the back of the lot, a communal raspberry
patch was planted; and a tool shed was built at the rear corner of the site to store gardening tools and materials for both member and renter use. A no-mow grass lawn was planted at the front of the lot to provide a low maintenance entrance to the garden, and another patch was planted at rear of the lot to be used as a staging area for demonstrations and instruction. As a central sculptural feature to the site, a large compass
design was mapped out using crushed rock for the compass points; and next spring two varieties of thyme
were planted to fill in the areas between the points of the compass. Near the end of the year, the group officially renamed the Otjen Street site as the Village Roots Garden.
In 2004, the majority of the peripheral gardens were completed, including large plantings of fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials to attract birds and butterflies. The group also enlisted the aid of Americorps
volunteers to build a cedar pergola
near the garden entrance, and grape vines
were then planted at the base of each post.
With the majority of the gardens established, a formal dedication ceremony attended by local dignitaries was held on June 26, 2005 to commemorate the completion of the Village Roots Garden and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bay View Garden and Yard Society
.
Since that time, the group continues to maintain and develop the site. An asparagus
bed was added in 2006, and a selection of woodland plants and ephemeral
s were planted in the shady areas near the garden shed. In 2007, a row of pampas grass
was planted to serve as a natural fence along the rear lot-line, and beds of sedum
and spring flowering bulbs were established near the street curb. In 2008, permanent cedar benches were added at each end of the pergola to give visitors a resting spot to enjoy the gardens from the shade of the grape vines. In 2009, the group received a large donation of perennial
flowers from a vendor at the Bay View Plant Sale. In 2010, compost
bins were installed at the site.
In an effort to promote community participation and environmental awareness, the group continues to sponsor occasional meetings, celebrations, and garden tours at the site. The community garden
is also one of the stops on the annual MUG Fall Community Garden Tour.
along with the aesthetics of show-garden beds to provide visual appeal and a welcoming environment.
At the entrance to the garden are a no-mow lawn and a cedar pergola
covered with grape vines. Flanking this area are large permanent gardens with fruit trees and shrubs (crabapple
, cherry
, plum
, holly
) to provide food and shelter for birds; under-planted with both shade and sun loving perennials (catmint
, rudbeckia
, purple coneflowers
, bee balm
, heuchera
, dianthus
) to attract bees and butterflies.
Immediately behind the pergola is another sculptural element: a 12 feet (3.7 m) compass design made of crushed stone, inter-planted with several varieties of thyme.
The core of the site consists of eight 8-foot square raised community garden
beds that are rented annually for a nominal fee, and 4 triangular raised trial-garden beds maintained by the group. The rental beds are tilled and amended yearly in preparation for the planting season, and renters have access to a nearby water source and free use of the garden tools stored in the shed. The 4 smaller trial beds are planted with asparagus
, strawberries, flowering bulbs, and woodland plants.
Just past the rental beds is another no-mow lawn area used as a staging area for gardening demonstrations, and the occasional outdoor group meeting. In the rear corner of the site is a garden shed surrounded by more shade-loving woodland plants, and the rear of the lot is delineated by a natural fence of pampas grass
, and a large raspberry bed.
Community gardening
A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.-Purpose:Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment...
located at 1115 E. Otjen Street in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
.
History and garden development
The Village Roots Garden (originally known as the Otjen Garden) came about through the collaboration of the Bay View Garden and Yard SocietyBay View Garden And Yard Society
The Bay View Garden And Yard Society is a nonprofit 501 organization based in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin....
, Milwaukee Urban Gardens (MUG), and the South Community Organization.
On February 20, 2002, the South Community Organization donated the vacant lot to Milwaukee Urban Gardens, a nonprofit land trust
Land trust
There are two distinct definitions of a land trust:* a private, nonprofit organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, or by its stewardship of such land or easements; or* an agreement...
. The lot became Milwaukee Urban Garden’s first owned property, and the Bay View Garden and Yard Society
Bay View Garden And Yard Society
The Bay View Garden And Yard Society is a nonprofit 501 organization based in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin....
(an LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
and gay-friendly organization) soon began developing the empty lot into Bay View’s first community garden
Community gardening
A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.-Purpose:Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment...
.
The Bay View Garden and Yard Society
Bay View Garden And Yard Society
The Bay View Garden And Yard Society is a nonprofit 501 organization based in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin....
members provided the labor, maintenance, and most of the plants for the land, and hired a landscaper to create a blueprint for the property. To prepare the lot, members dedicated their time and sweat equity to removing brush, cutting down trees, hauling topsoil
Topsoil
Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top to . It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs.-Importance:...
and mulch
Mulch
In agriculture and gardening, is a protective cover placed over the soil to retain moisture, reduce erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth and seed germination. Mulching in gardens and landscaping mimics the leaf cover that is found on forest floors....
, and keeping up with crops of weeds. In 2002, the group laid out the garden pathways and constructed the raised vegetable and flowerbeds
Raised bed gardening
Raised bed gardening is a form of gardening in which the soil is formed in 3–4 foot wide beds, which can be of any length or shape. The soil is raised above the surrounding soil , sometimes enclosed by a frame generally made of wood, rock, or concrete blocks, and enriched with compost...
for rental to the community.
In 2003, more pathways were plotted and beds for support plantings were added. Near the back of the lot, a communal raspberry
Raspberry
The raspberry or hindberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus, most of which are in the subgenus Idaeobatus; the name also applies to these plants themselves...
patch was planted; and a tool shed was built at the rear corner of the site to store gardening tools and materials for both member and renter use. A no-mow grass lawn was planted at the front of the lot to provide a low maintenance entrance to the garden, and another patch was planted at rear of the lot to be used as a staging area for demonstrations and instruction. As a central sculptural feature to the site, a large compass
Compass
A compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions in a frame of reference that is stationary relative to the surface of the earth. The frame of reference defines the four cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west. Intermediate directions are also defined...
design was mapped out using crushed rock for the compass points; and next spring two varieties of thyme
Thyme
Thyme is a culinary and medicinal herb of the genus Thymus.-History:Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage...
were planted to fill in the areas between the points of the compass. Near the end of the year, the group officially renamed the Otjen Street site as the Village Roots Garden.
In 2004, the majority of the peripheral gardens were completed, including large plantings of fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials to attract birds and butterflies. The group also enlisted the aid of Americorps
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a U.S. federal government program that was created under President Bill Clinton by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 and later expanded by 50 percent under President George W. Bush...
volunteers to build a cedar pergola
Pergola
A pergola, arbor or arbour is a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained...
near the garden entrance, and grape vines
Vitis
Vitis is a genus of about 60 species of vining plants in the flowering plant family Vitaceae. The genus is made up of species predominantly from the Northern hemisphere. It is economically important as the source of grapes, both for direct consumption of the fruit and for fermentation to produce...
were then planted at the base of each post.
With the majority of the gardens established, a formal dedication ceremony attended by local dignitaries was held on June 26, 2005 to commemorate the completion of the Village Roots Garden and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bay View Garden and Yard Society
Bay View Garden And Yard Society
The Bay View Garden And Yard Society is a nonprofit 501 organization based in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin....
.
Since that time, the group continues to maintain and develop the site. An asparagus
Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis is a spring vegetable, a flowering perennialplant species in the genus Asparagus. It was once classified in the lily family, like its Allium cousins, onions and garlic, but the Liliaceae have been split and the onion-like plants are now in the family Amaryllidaceae and...
bed was added in 2006, and a selection of woodland plants and ephemeral
Ephemeral
Ephemeral things are transitory, existing only briefly. Typically the term is used to describe objects found in nature, although it can describe a wide range of things....
s were planted in the shady areas near the garden shed. In 2007, a row of pampas grass
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, is a tall grass native to southern South America, including the pampas after which it is named, and Patagonia....
was planted to serve as a natural fence along the rear lot-line, and beds of sedum
Sedum
Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. It contains around 400 species of leaf succulents that are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, varying from annual and creeping herbs to shrubs. The plants have...
and spring flowering bulbs were established near the street curb. In 2008, permanent cedar benches were added at each end of the pergola to give visitors a resting spot to enjoy the gardens from the shade of the grape vines. In 2009, the group received a large donation of perennial
Perennial plant
A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter lived annuals and biennials. The term is sometimes misused by commercial gardeners or horticulturalists to describe only herbaceous perennials...
flowers from a vendor at the Bay View Plant Sale. In 2010, compost
Compost
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. At its most essential, the process of composting requires simply piling up waste outdoors and waiting for the materials to break down from anywhere...
bins were installed at the site.
In an effort to promote community participation and environmental awareness, the group continues to sponsor occasional meetings, celebrations, and garden tours at the site. The community garden
Community gardening
A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.-Purpose:Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment...
is also one of the stops on the annual MUG Fall Community Garden Tour.
The gardens
The Village Roots Garden site was designed to incorporate elements of a standard community gardenCommunity gardening
A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.-Purpose:Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment...
along with the aesthetics of show-garden beds to provide visual appeal and a welcoming environment.
At the entrance to the garden are a no-mow lawn and a cedar pergola
Pergola
A pergola, arbor or arbour is a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained...
covered with grape vines. Flanking this area are large permanent gardens with fruit trees and shrubs (crabapple
Crabapple
Crabapple is a term used for several species of Malus in the family Rosaceae, which are characterized by small sour fruit resembling familiar table apples . They are usually small trees or shrubs....
, cherry
Cherry
The cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy stone fruit. The cherry fruits of commerce are usually obtained from a limited number of species, including especially cultivars of the wild cherry, Prunus avium....
, plum
Plum
A plum or gage is a stone fruit tree in the genus Prunus, subgenus Prunus. The subgenus is distinguished from other subgenera in the shoots having a terminal bud and solitary side buds , the flowers in groups of one to five together on short stems, and the fruit having a groove running down one...
, holly
Holly
Ilex) is a genus of 400 to 600 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. The species are evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones world wide....
) to provide food and shelter for birds; under-planted with both shade and sun loving perennials (catmint
Nepeta
Nepeta is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The members of this group are known as catnip or catmint because of their effect on cats—the nepetalactone contained in nepeta binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, typically resulting in temporary euphoria...
, rudbeckia
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia is a plant genus of 23 species in the family Asteraceae. The species are commonly called coneflowers and black-eyed-susans; all are native to North America and many species are cultivated in gardens for their showy yellow or gold flower heads.The species are herbaceous, mostly perennial...
, purple coneflowers
Echinacea
Echinacea is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. The nine species it contains are commonly called purple coneflowers. They are endemic to eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They have...
, bee balm
Monarda
Monarda is a genus consisting of roughly 16 species of erect, herbaceous, annual or perennial plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America. Ranging in height from 1 to 3 feet , the plants have an equal spread, with slender and long-tapering leaves...
, heuchera
Heuchera
The genus Heuchera includes at least 50 species of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Saxifragaceae, all native to North America. Common names include alumroot and coral bells. They have palmately lobed leaves on long petioles, and a thick, woody rootstock...
, dianthus
Dianthus
Dianthus is a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species extending south to north Africa, and one species in arctic North America. Common names include carnation , pink and sweet William Dianthus is a genus of...
) to attract bees and butterflies.
Immediately behind the pergola is another sculptural element: a 12 feet (3.7 m) compass design made of crushed stone, inter-planted with several varieties of thyme.
The core of the site consists of eight 8-foot square raised community garden
Community gardening
A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.-Purpose:Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment...
beds that are rented annually for a nominal fee, and 4 triangular raised trial-garden beds maintained by the group. The rental beds are tilled and amended yearly in preparation for the planting season, and renters have access to a nearby water source and free use of the garden tools stored in the shed. The 4 smaller trial beds are planted with asparagus
Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis is a spring vegetable, a flowering perennialplant species in the genus Asparagus. It was once classified in the lily family, like its Allium cousins, onions and garlic, but the Liliaceae have been split and the onion-like plants are now in the family Amaryllidaceae and...
, strawberries, flowering bulbs, and woodland plants.
Just past the rental beds is another no-mow lawn area used as a staging area for gardening demonstrations, and the occasional outdoor group meeting. In the rear corner of the site is a garden shed surrounded by more shade-loving woodland plants, and the rear of the lot is delineated by a natural fence of pampas grass
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, is a tall grass native to southern South America, including the pampas after which it is named, and Patagonia....
, and a large raspberry bed.