Des Moines pea patch to be dedicated Saturday

stevievanb — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:55:31 +0000

stevievanb Tue, 05/24/2011 - 12:55am

The first community garden and pea patch in Des Moines will be dedicated, Saturday, May 28.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at Sonju Park, 24728 16th Ave. S., at 10 a.m.

In 1996, Daisy Sonju and her family donated a 9.3-acre parcel, formerly her family home, to the city of Des Moines.

The city created a master plan to develop the property as a conservancy park that included an orchard and community garden, picnicking, open space, creek and recreational trails.

In 2010, with volunteer leadership, the city in collaboration with gardening advocates (funders, sponsors, volunteers) began to clear the orchard and plan for a community garden. The garden is complete, pea patch plots have been assigned, and planting has begun.

Daisy's Garden includes the pea patch, demonstration beds for local elementary school groups, an herb garden, seating areas, and planting space for the Des Moines Area Food Bank and a raised bed for senior services programs.

The orchard next to the garden will supply apples and cherries to the community food coalition. Park developers envision inspired residents enjoying fresh air, bountiful nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs with each other as they learn about planting, nurturing, harvesting, and donating food to others.