DHCA Victory Gardens
The Demo Hills Community Garden is officially called the DHCA Victory Gardens. We were inspired by the vegetable and herb gardens that were planted on private and public land in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia during the World Wars. These gardens not only supplemented the family diet in those hard times, but also encouraged self-reliance, and fostered community.
We have set aside 20 plots Which are allocated to the gardeners on a first-come-first served basis from the first week of January through the end of the year. A nominal fee is charged to help with the community's related expenses. There are 10 plots measuring approximately 10'x 20' which cost $30 a year and 10 plots measuring approximately 10'x10' which cost $23 a year. There is no pro-rating of the fees. The gardeners test their own soil and prepare the land for planting. It is also the gardeners' responsibility to harvest their crops in a timely manner. Please email lizzieb@demohills.com if you are interested in renting a plot.
Last year we were very fortunate to reap a bountiful harvest despite a short period of drought in August. Mulching helps plants retain moisture, keeps the soil cooler, and helps keep weeds under control. We encourage sustainable gardening practices such as mulching with straw, grass clippings, and shredded cardboard. The use of rain barrels is also encouraged as there is no water hook-up at the gardens.
The Lake Wannabee Garden Club has provided us with a partial list of herbs and vegetable plants that tend to be drought and heat tolerant:
- Arugula
- Bush Bean
- Cabbage
- Cantaloupe
- Chard
- Cowpea
- Cucumber
- Endive
- Garlic
- Leek
- Okra
- Onion
- Oregano
- Pepper
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Squash
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Tomato (verify varieties)
- Thyme
- Watermelon
Please note that the use of chemical pesticides is strictly forbidden!!!!
A session with our local cooperative extension agent is being planned for January 2017. A series of informal sustainable gardening talks are also being planned for 2017 by the Lake Wannabee Garden Club. They will all be held at the DHCA Clubhouse at 1740 Marina Place. The talks will be open to all DHCA members free of charge. The topics and dates will be posted in the Demo Memo as soon as we receive the final confirmations.
By the way, Mrs. Wonson's peppers (seen above) were widely/wildly celebrated at the Victory Garden Market last Saturday. We are now looking forward to her famous hot pepper jam!