A growing community

Residents of the Benton-Stephens neighborhood in Columbia will turn an empty plot of land on Windsor Street into a free community garden where neighbors can grow produce and socialize.

Mark Stevenson, owner of REMI properties, temporarily donated the property at 1509 Windsor St. to Benton-Stephens and the Community Garden Coalition until he begins a development of apartments in the area within the next few years.

“You’re welcome to use it,” Stevenson told a group of nearly 50 people at a neighborhood potluck Saturday. This is the fourth property Stevenson has given to the coalition to be turned into a garden.

“It’s a good thing to do and, it’s not hard for me,” he said about donating his property. But Stevenson emphasized to the residents that the land is for temporary use.

Third Ward City Council candidates Gary Kespohl and Karl Skala both pledged their support for the garden at the potluck. Kespohl helped secure the plot from Stevenson, and Skala said he would offer seeds and manure. Clovers Natural Market and Lakota Coffee Co. will donate organic compost. Other gardening necessities, including tools and mulch, will be provided by the Community Garden Coalition, which has 10 other locations in Columbia.

The effort to start a community garden began with Kip Kendrick, who moved to Benton-Stephens last year. He said he wanted to promote self-sustainability.

“We need to buy locally and grow locally,” he said. “When you’re getting food that has to be packaged and shipped, there’s so much oil that is wasted in that. We have to break that cycle.”

Kendrick’s other main reason for starting a community garden was to get to know his neighbors. Many of the residents interested in getting a plot shared this sentiment.

“It’s an opportunity to get together with people from the community, talk and get your hands dirty,” said Peter Byger, a resident of Benton-Stephens. “Gardening is non-denominational. It’s just human beings growing things together.”

Sherry Borcherding grows basil, tomatoes and cucumbers in her home garden on William Street, but she said there is too much shade to grow much else. She signed up for a plot in the community garden so she could grow more fresh herbs and vegetables.

“It’s better food than you can buy,” Borcherding said. “There’s no wax on the cucumbers and the tomatoes aren’t shipped green. It’s so much better.”

Columbia residents looking for a plot at Windsor Street or another community garden can find an application at the coalition’s Web site, cgc.missouri.org.