Dowling community garden 80 years old

Shelley Anderl was part of the 80th celebration held at Dowling Community Garden (39th St. and 46th Ave.) on Saturday, Aug.19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There was tomato tasting, speakers, kids activities and more.

How and why was the Dowling community garden started?
Anderl: The Dowling Garden was started as a Victory Garden in 1943, which is why we recently had our 80th year celebration.

How have things changed at the garden over the years? What hasn’t changed?
Anderl: When the garden began there were just a handful of very large plots that eventually were broken down into smaller plots. The garden expanded onto adjoining undeveloped land, and by 1993, there were 160 plots. Today we have over 190 plots, and 250 gardeners. There was no water available at the beginning, but barrels were filled from Minnehaha Creek. Now there are several in-ground spigots scattered about the property which are used to fill water barrels, but are also used with hoses to make watering a much easier task.

What is the value of the garden to the community?
Anderl: I don’t think you can over estimate the value of green space in an urban environment. Personally, I have been gardening there for 25 years, and having the opportunity to grow flowers and vegetables is priceless. It is a beautiful, peaceful place, and it is so interesting to see the different things that are grown and the various gardening methods that are used. We also contribute over a thousand pounds of fresh produce to community food shelves each year.

Plots come in a variety of sizes with the average plot being about 20’X20’ and some that are half that size. As an example of how large some of the earlier plots were - when I got my plot in 1999, it was part of an existing plot that was surrendered by a gardener in her 90s. That one plot was divided into nine plots with my plot being 20’X20’. We also have raised beds located near water sources for gardeners with physical challenges.

A volunteer committee manages plot assignments, finances, gardener volunteer commitments and adherence to rules such as weed control and use of chemicals. Since we are on school property we are not allowed to use herbicides and pesticides.

Who has been gardening there the longest?
Anderl: Not sure, but Jerry Foley is on our committee. He is in his 90s, still gardening and he wrote a book about the Dowling Garden. Steve Dosch (pictured above) is also on the committee; he's a long time active gardener and the garden coordinator from 1989 to 1993.