Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Garden
How did the garden get started?
In 2010, a group of citizens began talking with the Alamo Heights City Council about creating an urban garden for the community to enjoy. The city granted them permission to create a garden at the southeast corner of Ogden Lane and Imlay Street near Judson Nature Trails. The first raised beds were built, installed and planted in January 2011.
With whom is the garden affiliated?
Our community garden is affiliated with Green Spaces Alliance and the City of Alamo Heights. The garden is located on city property and functions as a city park. The city exercises oversight of the money that individuals donate for the garden.
How is the garden funded?
The garden is funded by its volunteer gardeners and by donations. Active gardeners contribute $25 quarterly ($100/year) and can donate plants and supplies as needed. We also receive gifts of money and supplies from members of the community. Green Spaces Alliance allocates donations of gardening supplies as well.
How does the garden work? How do you divide up the beds?
Everyone volunteering shares the beds. We do not divide them by family or participant. By sharing, we get lots of delicious variety, less plant duplication, and a greater sense of community as we work together. We rotate crops regularly to optimize soil health.
How is the harvest divided up?
The harvest is divided among volunteers during garden work days. In other words, work days are harvest days.
There are some yummy and beautiful things in the garden. Can I pick whatever I want whenever I want?
Unfortunately, no, but please do join us during an upcoming garden work day, when we share the harvest. Volunteer Work Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9:00am.
How does watering work?
We use a drip irrigation system and hand-held watering.
Who decides what to plant?
Our master gardeners plan the garden seasonally with input from other volunteers.
Is the garden organic?
We use organic gardening practices, organic pest control measures, and organic fertilizers in the garden beds. Not every seed or plant we purchase is organic. Sometimes we need to use conventional means to maintain the surrounding grounds and keep them free of pests.
Volunteering and Supporting the Garden
How can I become a volunteer?
Come to a work day!
Volunteer Work Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
What kind of jobs do volunteers do?
Volunteers maintain the garden beds and do outreach activities. Our maintenance activities include:
planting and weeding non-stop
maintaining the butterfly garden
maintaining the compost bins
mowing and edging around the beds as well as the entire property
keeping the fruit trees mulched and pruned
watering using drip irrigation and hand-held hoses
maintaining the picnic tables and the Little Free Library
When I come to help, what should I bring?
Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellant, close-toed shoes, garden hand tools (clippers, small shovels) and gloves.
Are kids welcome?
Yes! We love having kids help with the supervision of a participating adult. There is almost always a kid-friendly job to do.
Digging isn't my thing, but I love the idea of the garden. How can I participate?
Enjoy the garden as a park. Walk around, see its beauty, observe the birds and butterflies that call it home.
Enjoy a book from the Little Free Library under the shade of the big Cedar Elm tree. Donate a book to the library.
Provide material for the compost bins.
Donate tools in good working condition or materials.
Make needed repairs to raised beds, drip irrigation, water catchment system, and compost bins.
Financially support the garden's work. We're always making improvements so our community can enjoy the space. To make a financial donation, please contact us.
What can I drop off at the compost bins?
We need kitchen and yard scraps to feed our hungry compost bins! This material makes a great mulch to nurture the plants at the garden.
The compost bins need:
vegetable and fruit scraps
fall pumpkins (no metal or paint)
coffee grounds
egg shells
leaves and grass clippings (bagged, placed behind the compost bins)
We cannot use:
dairy products, oils, meats or diseased plants.
Do you accept Christmas trees?
No, unfortunately we cannot accept Christmas trees for composting. They take a long time to break down. We recommend the City's disposal.
Education
I saw a really cool plant at the garden, and I'd like to know what it is!
Our efforts include educational outreach, too! Please join us on a volunteer day and we'll do our best to answer your questions.
Does the garden host educational activities?
Yes! Local schools often visit the garden to inspire knowledge and love for nature. If you'd like to schedule a visit, please contact us. We also host learning events for the community. We'd love to meet you and have you learn alongside us!
What if I have a concern about the garden?
We want to hear from you. Please contact us with your thoughts and suggestions.
