WASHINGTON — In the nation’s captial, you might not imagine that people have time to plant their own flowers and vegetables. But The Newark Street Community Garden, on the corner of Newark and 39th streets in the McLean neighborhood, is one of 26 urban gardens throughout the District where people can do just that. There are also education programs where toddlers and young children can learn about plants and wildlife. There are 200 plots and 190 gardeners who maintain this green sanctuary.
As the community garden social services chairperson and veteran gardener, Susan Akman takes pride in how the garden benefits the surrounding community. Newark donates a portion of her crops to local food banks for families that are less fortunate, she said. She recently took this reporter on a tour of the garden.
The garden got started in 1974 on National Food Day, a day that inspires Americans to change their diets and food policies. The grounds where the gardens now stand used to be military offices during World War II. Akman said when the community was looking for space to plant these gardens the foundation was a clay field, which made it perfect for planting crops. The rules of the garden are enforced by a board and members must read and agree to all, Akman said. “Gardeners must commit 10 hours a season, weed weekly, and maintain their plots,” Akman said. In other words, if you do not maintain your plot, the board will ask you to give up your plot and the next person on the waiting list will get it.
The garden also includes a tennis court, dog park and children’s playground. The key feature of these gardens, the largest in the District is that you are able to look out and see the magnificent National Cathedral.
The gardens are a peaceful sanctuary for community members and gardeners to unwind after a stressful day at work. “On 9/11 when the plane hit the Pentagon, one gardener, instead of running home to family like many others, came and just reflected in the garden because it was peaceful,” said Akman.
The community gardeners also take time to educate children, Akman said. “There are special days when children can come and learn about the garden and what insects help fertilize the soil,” Akman said. “The children’s favorite part is when they get a chance to water the garden and get muddy.” After each session the children are given healthy snacks, such as a watermelon slice, graham crackers and water, she said.
In the garden there is a variety of flowers and vegetables, including beans, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peppers and radishes. During the winter months, gardeners must have their plots cleared if they are not planting anything. There is one gardener who plants lettuce year-round.
But there’s a two-year waitlist. “It is well worth the wait,” Akman said.