Ten communities around the state rebuild Irene-damaged gardens

Ten gardens around the state rebuilt safe and secure food production sites in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. The first round of 2012 Garden Flood Relief grants were made possible through an Irene Recovery Fund grant from the Vermont Community Foundation and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont provided the funding for the second grant round.

The grants were open to any community or school group whose garden was damaged by the August 2011 flooding as well as groups who wish to start new gardens in flood-affected areas. The following gardens received up to $1,000 to help rebuild (or relocate). The grants covered soil testing, soil amendments, replacement fencing, infrastructure for new garden sites, and technical assistance. Gardener's Supply Company also donated tools to each garden site.

• Center for Sustainable Practice Garden in White River Junction
• Children's Early Learning Space in Waterbury
• Gardens for Learning in Montpelier
• The Grateful Garden at Chester Andover Elementary School
• Hardwick Community Gardens in Hardwick
• Mellishwood Garden in Woodstock
• Quechee Community Garden in Quechee
• Riverside Mobile Home Park Community Gardens in Woodstock
• Sustainable Woodstock Community Gardens in Woodstock/Pomfret
• Yellow Barn Farm in Arlington

Congratulations to all the grantees! Read about all the first-round garden projects here.

Read the news release from the first grant round here!

Read the Vermont Community Foundation SUN Irene Grantee profile here!

The photos above show the Quechee Community Garden pre-, during, and post-Irene. Approximately 50 people lost their crops when the Ottauquechee River flooded its banks. The garden was devastated and all fencing and supplies were destroyed.