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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2016)
14 Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Garden embodies spirit of community By Ruthie Douglas Correspondent The Sisters Community Garden is a nonprofit orga- nization, founded in 2006, to foster community connec- tions, provide Sisters-area residents an opportunity to grow fresh produce, and make excess produce available to the local food bank. The garden flourished for seven years at its original location on Adams Avenue. When that property was no longer available, the search began for a new location. After months of inquiries around the community, airport own- ers Benny and Julie Benson stepped forward and provided a plot of land on Barclay Drive. What followed was a complete transformation of 14,000 square feet of dirt, rocks, and weeds. Marvin Benson, Benny’s father, played a key role in turn- ing the barren space into an inviting and promising food basket. Months were spent moving dirt, digging post- holes, hammering nails, run- ning pipe, pulling weeds, and spreading wood chips. With help from volunteers, Benson erected perimeter fencing, installed an irrigation sys- tem and constructed raised beds. At the end of the 2012 growing season, gardeners moved a storage shed, an old covered wagon, plants, and even some topsoil from the former garden to the new location near the Sisters Eagle Airport. Currently there are some 49 raised beds plus two elevated beds at wheel- chair height. There are shared plots designated for herbs while apple trees and flow- ers grow along the fence line. Marvin credits com- munity partners who helped make it all possible, includ- ing Sisters Rental, Robinson & Owen Heavy Construction, K&D Shavings, Tim Clasen, Marshall Electric, Hawk’s Haven Reserve and Benny and Julie Benson. Last year, due to the generosity of the Bensons, Sisters Garden Club, Sisters Rotary Club, the estate of Anne Keith, and a grant from the City of Sisters, a first-rate greenhouse was constructed. It is the envy of Central Oregon. The High Desert poses many challenges for gardeners, and the use of a greenhouse provides a tre- mendous advantage. An elected board of direc- tors oversees the operation of the garden and all gardeners who pay an annual fee ($50 4x20 raised bed; $30 4x10) are members. There are plenty of tools, topsoil, compost, and manure provided for use. The garden is organic and only natural, organic materi- als may be used to fertilize and control pests. Members are committed to practic- ing good stewardship of resources, and this past year the board voted to remove all overhead water- ing in an effort to conserve water. During the next several months there will be a flurry of activity in the Garden: • Angelena Bosco, a mem- ber of the garden, will offer cooking demonstrations. • A “Lunch in the Garden” fundraiser will be held on July 7, during the annual Sisters Garden Club “Quilts in the Garden” tour. Benji Nagel will provide music. • A celebration evening including music by The Anvil photo courtesy sisters coMMunity Garden Garden cooking classes are held at the garden. Blasters will be held as an occasion to say thank you to all who have made the garden possible. • On August 20, the gar- den will host an evening of food and music by Honey Don’t as a fundraiser for a local charity. In many ways, this garden embodies the spirit of com- munity. It was built by the generosity and hard work of this community. It fosters community amongst garden- ers and visitors. And it feeds the community; for the past three years, the garden has contributed over 300 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks. This year there is a tree-lined bike path along Barclay Drive providing a safe route between the gar- den and town. And gardening next to the airport provides unexpected entertainment; where else can you watch colorful parachutes drop from the sky while planting peas? Neil Kelly When you are looking to remodel your home in Sisters Country, Neil Kelly offers uncommonly good hometown service — backed by an award- winning and nationally recognized design, build and remodeling company that has been serving the region since 1947. Known for innovative design and as a leader in the green building and remodeling industry, Neil Kelly specializes in full-phase remodeling projects that include kitchens and bathrooms, home addi- tions, energy retrofit projects and solar installation. Neil Kelly has 200 employees across the Northwest, including certified designers and top professionals ready to help you turn your dreams into reality on time and on budget, with outstanding craftsmanship. Be ready to be inspired. Sweeney Plum bing GROHE Parkfi eld Inspired By Nature With its sweeping lines and smooth curves, the new Parkfi eld™ fl ows effortlessly like water itself, and, like the arching curve of a water fountain, the spout guides water to the perfect position for function and comfort. 541-549-4349 260 N. Pine St., Sisters Licensed, Bonded, Insured | CCB#87587 All commercial properties and many homes in Sisters have backflow protection devices, also known as “double-check” devices. You’re required by law to get yours inspected once a year. Turn to the pros at Sweeney Plumbing to set an appointment and get the job done. Inspection services like these are part of Sweeney Plumbing’s tradition of prompt, profes- sional service. Sweeney’s plumbers are dedicated to respecting your time, your home and your wallet, providing efficient service with attention to detail and a commitment to getting the job done right. And if you are looking to upgrade or outfit a new home with attractive, high-quality fixtures, Sweeney Plumbing has you covered. Visit their Sisters showroom to find out more about their excellent selection of quality fixtures, garbage dis- posals and other products.