The work party for the Barton Street P-Patch was out in full force on Saturday, July 23 as the weather got good and the retaining walls along a pathway through the center of the space were built. The walls were being artfully assembled with large rocks embedded into the top layer for decorative (and practical) purposes.

The P-Patch itself was made possible through the Parks and Green Spaces Levy and was given the grant by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. The land was owned by the city but has been unused for many years. Neighbors came forward and suggested the P-Patch idea and planning for the space began.

Designs for the project were finalized after several reviews and the final, radial pattern was chosen.

It's being built by volunteer labor and the opportunity to help get it completed is still there.

Every Saturday from 9:30-3:00 and Sunday from 11:00-3:00 the 34th s.w. and s.w. Barton is home to a work party. The first of these took place in the middle of May.

Organizers urge that "whether you can work the whole day, half day, or two hours come on out and participate in building this soon to be incredible community garden. Bring water, lunch, gloves and your enthusiasm! Remember, plots are assigned to people who have volunteered to help build the garden."

Email Kate or Karen with questions, or just to let them know you're interested.
kfarleylandscapedesign@gmail.com
karenfarnsworth84@gmail.com

One of the organizers Randee Frost said, "We've been working on the retaining walls for the ADA pathway and next week we should finish this next end.'

"P-Patches are all organic gardens by design, "but there will also be plantings like flowers and other things," said Frost. "How you get a plot is based on how many hours of work you actually do in the garden."

They hope to finish the construction of the space by this fall and, "hopeful by this October we can maybe get some winter crops in, but that's kind of far out there," Frost said laughing.

This is a volunteer effort so they are seeking support both physical (they need wood to built compost and worm bins) and financial so they are looking for donations. However, a great way to help might be to stop at Tony's Produce on the corner of 35th s.w. and s.w. Barton on July 30, from 8:00 am on "until we run out' the group is having a bake sale.

The effort has a group Facebook Page where you can exchange information and a page on the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods website too.