Otis Community Garden Update

By Margie Klein

July 2025

We are actively picking produce at the garden and servicing two pantries a week. It all feels good! It’s satisfying to pick for others. There is a great feeling to be connected to the earth, soil, and the miracle of life from a planted seed. It does take a village and this community garden is all about community. The efforts and kindness of many help our garden grow. Andy and Lynne continue to provide us with the water which is essential. A new bed of peppers was donated by Jamie Carr from the Otis Ridge Garden Center. Michelle and Chris built and installed trellises for the cucumber vines that will crawl up and grab hold. Irene and Carol planted winter squash and watermelon seeds. Annette is a powerhouse on slug control and weeding. Like others, I have been saving my coffee grounds to put around the garden to kill the slugs. Ellen Dilts created a new herb garden and Troy Flukiger has made adjustments to the watering system.

We have many new members and lots of chores ahead. The vegetables are as organic as possible. You must be thinking “Wow, this is an incredible undertaking of community involvement.” We have to make sure this wonderful gift to the community continues as the farm is for sale. The Pyensons sold their home and relocated. The garden continues to be self-funded and not a tax burden to the town. This endeavor is a much needed resource in our town. Soon we will have an abundance of produce to share. I’m thinking ahead to my days enjoying caprese salad.

Happy summer and enjoy the bounty. As I mentioned, we must try our best to make sure we can continue to offer this wonderful needed service to the community.