Community Garden Test-Plot

Public/Community | 2020-2024 | Brookline, MA

Four-year transformation of an overgrown 30'x15' community garden plot into productive growing space using salvaged materials and permaculture techniques. Starting with a site overtaken by lesser celandine, manual removal and sheet mulching suppressed invasives without herbicides. Raised beds built using hugelkultur methods (layered sticks topped with on-site compost) established fertile growing areas.

Salvaged brick and paving samples create bed edging and a small patio. Struggling perennial flowers and berries were relocated and supplemented with divisions from other gardeners. By year four, the plot produced an estimated $800 in organic fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers with minimal maintenance and no more than weekly site visits.

The project also facilitated compost delivery coordination for the broader community garden.