86 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023
Beginning in early spring, Macon-Bibb County departments
installed irrigation and fencing, Rutland High students built fi y
raised beds, Master Gardener volunteers planned the space, and
many others donated time, funds, and supplies. United Way has
been the conduit as the garden develops and grows. It is truly
remarkable to watch what can happen when the community comes
together to support a common goal.
What started off as an old basketball court with weeds growing
through the cracks quickly became a field of 50 raised beds
surrounded by freshly mulched paths. Almost overnight, seeds
sprouted and transplants took root to become a beautiful, flourishing
garden. Produce was harvested within the first month of planting.
As of the start of September, over 3000 pounds of produce have been
T
GREEN THUMB TIPS
STORY BY KAROL KELLY, UGA EXTENSION COUNTY EXTENSION COORDINATOR/ANR AGENT
at the Brookdale Resource Center
Building community
around gardening
he word "community" captures the essence of the Brookdale
Resource Center. Macon-Bibb County and United Way
of Central Georgia came together to begin unraveling a
problem faced by some of our neighbors – homelessness.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Alison Bender,
Brookdale continues to grow, tackling the challenges and barriers
surrounding this issue.
One hurdle facing not only Brookdale, but many in
Macon-Bibb, is access to fresh produce. Within the past few
months, Mayor Miller assembled partners to build a garden that
would nourish Brookdale residents while offsetting costs. Since
its inception, everyone has pulled together to build, nurture, and
sustain The Gardens at Brookdale.
