For more info go to: http://www.alpinegarden.blogspot.com/

Here in Monroe and Alpine we have created a solution that is helping people learn about gardening, grow their own food and lift the burden on our local food-bank to provide for its ever increasing customers. We call it a “Sharing Garden”.

What makes these "Sharing Gardens" unique is that, instead of many separate plots that are rented by individuals, these gardens are one large plot, shared by all. All materials. land and labor are donated. The food we grow is shared amongst those who have contributed in some way as well as others who are in need in our community. All surplus is donated to our local food-bank. No one is ever charged money for the food that is grown. This model is easy replicated anywhere there are vacant lots and people with enough gardening experience to oversee the project and does not require large input of money to make it work. Alpine has been host to this unique type of community garden since spring 2009 and Monroe started its first plot spring of 2010.

Alpine and Monroe's Gardens are also for people who want to learn more about organic gardening. We use no pesticides or herbicides. We rely on heavy mulching and fertilizer derived from compost and other natural, local sources.

What follows is the Mission Statement upon which this project is based. As you can see, the “Sharing Gardens” are just the first step in establishing local food-self reliance. Please visit our educational blog-site for a history of our progress to date. http://www.AlpineGarden.blogspot.com/

Mission Statement

1. To provide the inspiration, guidance, and expertise needed to ensure a bountiful supply of locally and organically grown fresh produce, herbs and fruits to those in need.
2. To provide meaningful activities related to organic food production, storage and distribution by offering hands-on workshops designed to empower young people and persons of all ages.
3. To promote an awareness and practice of recycling and re-using a wide array of materials that can be utilized in gardens and food storage and to coordinate donations of such for use in the project.
4. To establish a stable network of experienced farmers, gardeners and food-storage experts in our local communities and neighborhoods and encourage their participation.
5. To identify and utilize local resources of surplus fruits and nuts for gleaning, winter storage and distribution.
6. To create community-scale “canneries” for storing surplus food for winter months.
7. To support and expand upon existing food banks.
8. To create a local and sustainable seed bank.
9. To document each stage of this project and create a manual to assist other groups and communities.
10. To create an interactive website, on-line message board, skills-bank and info-sharing blog to distribute information about the project.

We would like to create a training center/farm environment to accommodate live-in apprentices who would learn the basics of organic agriculture and community-organizing based on this “sharing” model. These trainees would then be sent into communities around Oregon, urban and rural alike, and would function as organizers working with local church and school leaders (and other civic organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H groups).
For more info go to: http://www.alpinegarden.blogspot.com/