Green Thumbs Sought For Long Reach Community Gardens In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — Applications are being accepted for green thumbs interested in tending to one of the new garden sites in Columbia. Four plots were unveiled in the Long Reach Community Garden recently, which now contains 125 full plots, 10 20 x 12.5-foot-long half plots and five wheelchair-accessible raised beds.

The community garden was last significantly expanded in 2010 and is one of three sites maintained by local nonprofit Columbia Gardeners. They are co-owned by Howard County Recreation & Parks (HCRP) and the Exelon Corporation.

“Despite having more than 600 garden plots across Howard County, there is a high demand from residents to have more access to community gardens,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “This is the first time in 10 years that we’ve been able to open new plots, which will help reduce the wait times for residents and provide more space for residents to grow their own produce and enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening.”

Howard County's garden plots were first established in 1977 for use by residents who lacked the space or right conditions to garden at home. Community garden plots have been shown to benefit the environment by restoring oxygen to the air, reducing air pollution (planting versus mowing right-of-ways) and filtering rainwater to keep groundwater cleaner. Long Reach Community Garden has a long-standing partnership with the Howard County Food Bank and uses some of their plots to grow fresh produce to be donated.

The expansion is another step towards the Long Reach Rising revitalization project to maintain, repair and beautify the Village Center and surrounding area. In the 2012 Long Reach Village Center master plan, creating a sustainable community space that valued native plantings and green areas was a priority.

"I am thrilled that the Long Reach Village Center will expand its garden plots,” said Opel Jones, District 2 Councilmember in a statement. “This meets a community need expressed by the residents.

“The county’s work to provide these additional garden plots for residents to grow their own fresh produce will help reduce the wait for plots at Columbia Gardeners' Long Reach site,” added Betty Miller, president of the Columbia Gardeners.

To apply for a garden plot, visit https://www.columbiagardeners.com/.