Annual Report 2013: Community Garden Committee

As we enter our third season at the King Street Community Garden, we are proud to report that we are
continuing to provide the citizens of Franklin with a place to meet, learn, and grow. Experienced and novice gardeners of all ages are taking advantage of our commitment to a healthy space in which we can share the joy of growing organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Partnering with the Town of Franklin, the Recreation Department and the nonprofit Friends of Franklin
Community Gardens, Your Community Garden Committee:

• Identifies appropriate locations
• Coordinates design and construction of new gardens
• Develops and enforces rules and regulations for the gardens
• Oversees the plot lottery, gardener registration and plot distribution

We pledge to continue:

• Supporting our community in growing local food
• Providing locally harvested food to those in need
• Promoting increased social interaction through gardening within our community
• Developing an educational garden for all ages

In 2013, we increased our available garden space by eight beds, following the move downtown of the four
beds formerly reserved for growing produce for the Franklin Food Pantry and the building of four brand new
beds. Even with the expanded space, we have many aspiring gardeners still on the wait list for a bed!

This season, we've introduced some new systems to help our garden run more smoothly, including a
biweekly work day to allow all gardeners the chance to help out with general maintenance and a flag system
to alert gardeners to potential trouble spots. It’s not all work though – we've also introduced a monthly award for the best garden.

Our garden shed has also seen a few upgrades, including additional interior shelving, a rainwater collection system, and a bulletin board for gardeners to communicate with each other and learn about garden events.

We look forward to many more harvests to come! If you would like to join us for the 2014 season, please
visit the Franklin Recreation Department in person or online and select “register for activities” then select
“community garden.”



The Community Garden Committee meets the First Monday of the month at Town Hall. Check the Town of Franklin Meeting Calendar for details.

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact any committee member or visit the Town Clerk’s office.
Amy Acevedo, Chair
Christopher Clay, Vice-Chair
Kiernan Reed, Secretary
Rich Clauser, Member
Bonnie Kaiden, Associate Member

Respectfully Submitted,
Kiernan Reed