By Alicia Herzog
Master Gardeners in Johnson County partnered with Ecumenical Towers to create a hügelkultur garden that provides residents an innovative, accessible garden space for attracting pollinators. For this effort they have received the Search for Excellence Award from the Iowa Master Gardener program.
The Iowa Master Gardener program is made available through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The Ecumenical Towers hügelkultur bed project was initiated to update and redesign the existing garden space at Ecumenical Towers, a subsidized apartment complex for low-income older adults and disabled adults. The project aimed to create a more attractive and functional garden area that would be accessible to all residents, including those with mobility issues.
John Weeg, Johnson County Master Gardener said, “This site has the benefit of the residents and the passersby. The residents give thoughtful feedback on what we have done and suggestions for the future. They are willing to share their knowledge. The passersby are nicely surprised to see the large projects. There is always time to stop and talk; that is one of the reasons we do this.”
The new garden features a hügelkultur bed, a sustainable gardening method that involves burying wood and other organic materials to improve soil structure, retain water and enhance nutrient availability. This method is cost-effective and easy to replicate, making it an ideal choice for community gardens. Additionally, a raised, galvanized steel garden bed was installed to provide wheelchair access, allowing residents to grow plants with ease.
“The residents are thrilled to be a part of the decision making with the Master Gardeners as far as what types of flowers and foliage they would enjoy seeing in the garden,” said Faith Bird, manager at Ecumenical Towers in Iowa City.
“In addition, the participation in vegetable gardening has doubled since the raised beds were installed, making gardening accessible for all residents. Each year residents receive several compliments on the beauty of our garden as well as the attraction of an abundance of wildlife in the middle of downtown Iowa City. The resulting beauty, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Master Gardeners, brings a sense of pride to the residents who call Ecumenical Towers home,” Bird said.
The project also incorporated a unique water feature that utilizes condensation from the building's air conditioning system to provide a continuous water source for the garden. This innovative approach not only conserves water but also ensures that the garden remains well-hydrated throughout the summer months.
“The Master Gardeners of Johnson County have worked hard to make this project an amazing example of how the community can fit a lot of great things in small spaces. It adds positive impacts on the soil and an environment for beneficial insects and critters, and it demonstrates sustainability as well as accessibility to gardening, education, and healthy food access. These efforts are all easy to replicate and show that if we all take little steps it can add up in big ways,” said Shannon Bielicke, agriculture and natural resources program coordinator for ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County.
The Search for Excellence Award recognizes Master Gardeners who demonstrate outstanding contributions to their communities, providing significant learning and impact in the local area. All applications must show that significant learning took place, with the focus on educating the public. The award was presented on March 10 during the ISU Extension and Outreach annual awards ceremony.
Source : iastate.edu