Growing vegetables and friendships at the Dilworth Community Garden

Dilworth’s vast amounts of huge oaks can make it challenging for residents to grow vegetables in their back yards.

But Julie Nofsinger had an idea to take a plot of barren land at 1300 Ordermore Ave. and convert it into a community garden.

Duke Energy actually owned the land, but Julie, along with the Dilworth Community Association, spent two years creating a license agreement with the company so that residents within the DCA’s community could garden on the property for the first time this year.

Almost all of the plots of land, which are roughly 100 square feet each, are already reserved for local neighbors to start growing their vegetables, fruits and flowers. Plots cost $50/year, and the site is currently being tilled to begin planting seeds in mid to late June.

The Dilworth Community Garden will eventually have park benches for local farmers to eat his or her own produce, and will offer workshops to teach kids about growing food and healthy eating.

A small gravel parking lot and bike rack offer a quick way for residents to pick their own foods, but I’d expect a lot of walkers coming by on a nice day to collect their veggies.

After 21 years of living in Dilworth, Nofsinger enjoys the fact that this community garden gives her neighbors an opportunity to get together and build relationships outside the walls of their homes.

And as the garden develops, the DCA would like to work with charities like the Dilworth Soup Kitchen and Hospitality House to donate excess foods that are grown.

Be on the lookout for their Garden Party on July 2 as they raise money for the community garden. Bakersfield, Triple C and other local businesses will be on hand.

Photos: Dilworth Community Garden Facebook

Will Johnson is a Digital Content

This story was originally published June 11, 2015 at 10:25 PM.