Community Garden

History

In 2009, Rosemary Kaul brought together a few interested gardeners to talk about starting a community garden. Rosemary was a retired feature reporter and photographer for the L.A. Times and she had always wanted to be part of a community garden. She envisioned a place where community members could come together, trade gardening knowledge and experiences, and take pride in the fruits of their labor. She wanted a plot of land where people could cultivate the earth together, to produce food that was shared by all: a "Growing Community" was her theme.

A dozen people eventually found a small plot of land In Tomé near Tomé Gallery, which was owned by Jan Pacifico. They organized as a non-profit, set up by-laws, and worked out a lease agreement with Jan. A well was dug and a shed was brought in. In 2013, they wrote a PNM grant and built a greenhouse. The group enjoyed a close relationship with Whitfield Conservation Area, the county extension office, and the Ag. Science Center. For many Fall seasons, members came together to process produce and can salsa. They taught newcomers to the area how to garden in New Mexico's soil and climate.

Sadly, the Tomé gardeners are aging out. Some have moved away. The garden needs a rest, and the owners of the plot are considering a possible building project.

We are here to pick up the torch, to keep the concept of a “Growing Community” going.