Community Garden grows through generosity of donors

Dave Winder, left, applies water to newly planted tomato plants at the McCook Community Garden. Doug Skiles, right, a member of the McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Board, looks over the 1.8 acre lot that will produce tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and more for anyone who wants to become involved in the project. (Shary skiles/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Community Garden is beginning its second year of operation, and thanks to an investment from the McCook Community Foundation Fund in the form of a $1,000 grant, organizer Dave Winder is looking forward to a bountiful harvest this summer and fall.

The project took roots, so to speak, after Dave participated in a leadership training program through Memorial United Methodist Church. "I had this dream for some time," said Dave, "and everything just seemed to align so that it would become possible."

A huge part of that alignment was the generous donation of about two acres of land from John and Betty Nothnagel. The lot is north of "Q" Street in the 2000 block of West 7th Street on the west side of the road. As a result of the Nothnagel donation, Dave's sweat equity, and a host of volunteers and garden enthusiasts' contributions, the McCook Community Garden is beginning to take shape.

The purpose is to provide fresh home-grown vegetables for people in need. And the definition of "need" is very broad. Dave invites anyone who finds it difficult to plant and maintain their own garden to help out with the planting, watering, weeding, and of course, harvesting of the McCook Community Garden bounty.

"It may be difficult for some people to plant their own garden," said Dave. Maybe they live in an apartment and don't have a yard. Maybe they have a yard but it isn't big enough to plant everything they would like to grow. Perhaps they did plant a garden, but for whatever reason, it just didn't produce enough to meet their needs. Maybe they are really busy and don't have the time to devote to their own garden. Or there may be physical reasons a personal garden is just not practical. That is what makes a community garden so appealing and such a positive asset to the area.

One of the biggest benefits of bringing a large group of people together to work the garden is the wide variety of produce that can be grown. Potatoes, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, peppers, rhubarb, strawberries, beets, radishes. Very few personal gardeners have the space, stamina, or expertise to grow the wide variety of vegetables that Dave and his crew are planning on the 1.8 acre lot.

Another challenge for personal gardeners is keeping up with watering. Thanks to the McCook Community Foundation Fund grant, a Peter Kiewitt Foundation grant, a Memorial United Methodist Church Endowment grant, and several donations from the community, an irrigation system is being installed. The infrastructure for the garden is being put into place piece by piece, as funds allow.

Dave is using mineral tubs commonly used by farmers to bury in the ground to plant potatoes in. The tubs will allow them to mulch and spray in an effort to control the nemesis of very gardener -- bindweed. He is also in the hunt for one or two large bales of wheat straw to be used in the potato patch. He could also use some five-gallon plastic buckets for tomatoes and peppers.

The Natural Resources District has donated 100 native fruit-bearing bushes such as elderberry and plum, and donations of other fruit-bearing trees would be welcome.

The "community" aspect of the Community Garden is evident in the many people and organizations who have contributed so far. "So many people have helped out in various ways," said Dave. Hardcore Concrete, Bill Davis, donated the use of a skidloader and trencher; Al Gunther helped out with a backhoe for installing irrigation. Donna Butler donated the use of a rototiller. Rick and Pam Klug and Dan Dueland of Double D Lawn and Landscaping also provided use of their tractor rototillers. Parker donated garden hose. Fairacres Greenery and Common Scents provided donations and discounts. Big Bird Preschool planted vegetables. Many people have provided labor.

"This can be as big as the community wants it to be," answered Dave when asked about the future plans for the garden. But he is quick to point out that he is has an urgent need for help, especially in the areas of fund-raising and managing donations. "I'm not good at asking people for money," Dave admits. He is desperately seeking someone who has the talent and passion for that kind of thing to help the garden grow.

For more information on how to become involved in the Community Garden, contact the United Methodist Church office at (308)345-2445 or Dave Winder at (308)340-8733.

Don Harpst of McCook Community Foundation Fund said that the Community Garden project is an excellent example of how MCFF can provide financial support to help improve the quality of life for residents in the area. Because it is administered through the church, the Community Garden has a non-profit status, making donations from MCFF possible.

Produce from the garden will be donated to the McCook Pantry and Community Supper, as well as given away to anyone who needs or wants it. One of the obvious benefits of the garden is the nourishment of the body with fresh, home-grown produce. But another, equally vital benefit is the ability for volunteer gardeners to come together and work the soil, soak up the sun, and enjoy the bounty of the earth.

The McCook Community Foundation Fund works to maintain McCook as a vibrant, inclusive community with access to the world for generations to come. McCook's legacy and heritage have endured for 130 years. MCFF helps prepare McCook for the next 130. More information about the McCook Community Foundation Fund is available on their web site, nebcommfound.org/fund/mccook, or by emailing mailto:foundation@mccookne.org, or calling (308) 344-9363.