The Outback gardens are maintained and coordinated entirely by students. There are four main garden projects: The Community Garden, the Herb Garden, the Forest Garden, and the Market Garden.
The Outback gardens are maintained and coordinated entirely by students. There are four main garden projects: The Community Garden, the Herb Garden, the Forest Garden, and the Market Garden.
The Community Garden is comprised of roughly 40 small plots which are available to students, staff, and faculty members. They are available on a first-come first-served basis and are free of charge. To be eligible for a plot, individuals must commit to tending it throughout the summertime or else have a plan to pass on responsibility to a known party. No prior gardening experience is necessary and experimentation (so long as it is organic!) is encouraged.
The herb garden is located at the entrance to the Outback and is planted with a variety of perennial and annual herbs. The herbs are planted in plots according to their uses: flu and cold, culinary, nervines, and women’s herbs. It is coordinated by Amanda Theil-Setterberg, a student, who appreciates all the help that she can get!
This project is located in the southeast corner of the Outback, hidden from easy view. It is coordinated by Carl Wollschlager, a Fairhaven student who is studying permaculture and biodynamic growing techniques. The forest garden is a long term installation—Carl has planted various fruit trees and berry bushes which will last for a long, long time. To find out more about forest gardens, go to edibleforestgardens.com. If you become inspired, contact Carl to see about helping out!
The market garden is an experiment in practical, bio-intensive organic growing. Produce which is harvested from the market garden is sold to faculty in the Fairhaven office, on main campus, and is also donated to the food bank. It is coordinated by Fairhaven student Matia Jones. For those individuals who want to learn about gardening from an experienced grower, this project is an excellent opportunity. Come and help with the market garden and take home a bundle of vegetables in exchange!