The First Parish Garden
Cherish the living earth
The First Parish Garden
Cherish the living earth
The Garden at the First Parish in Lincoln is located in the field on the north side of the Parish House (14 Bedford Road), to the right of the parsonage building. We welcome new volunteers who want to plant, weed, harvest, and donate the wonderful produce and flowers that flourish there.
How it got started.
The initial draft of the āCongregational Garden Proposalā dates back to the fall of 2010. In November that year, following a vote of support from the Outreach Committee, the Parish Committee gave preliminary approval to the concept of a congregational community garden. A team “broke groundā (literally) in July 2011. That first summer focused on preparing and improving the soil (plowing, tilling, adding compost and minerals, growing cover crops) and the first season of vegetables was planted in 2012.
How it works now.
There are 24 beds in the Garden, half of which can be individual/family plots and half used as common plots on which we grow produce to donate to food pantries (currently one in Waltham). Weekly harvesting and food delivery begins June, with volunteers working in teams as their schedules allow.
Individual plot holders get nearly 100 square feet of well-tilled soil, enriched with organic compost and minerals and surrounded by a five-foot fence, where you can grow vegetables and flowers and enjoy the company of fellow FPL gardeners. Or you can join to help plant, tend and harvest the common plot. (Individual plot holders will also be asked to help with the common area.) We practice sustainable growing methods, but donāt be deterred by lack of knowledge or experience — or by summer vacation plans. Gardeners learn from each other and provide mutual support for those weeks we are away.
How to join in.
Contact garden@fplincoln.org or speak to any member of the current group to learn more: Kathleen Shepard, Nancy Henderson, Linda McMillan, David OāNeil, Barbara OāNeil, Paula Waterman, Helena Grant, Rosemary Lloyd, Patrick Zweidler-McKay, and Jennie Morris.