Directory of Gardens

Bear Branch Community Garden

 

Location The Woodlands, north of Houston
Main Purpose Individual plots for families in the Woodlands
Established 1998
To Visit or to Volunteer Contact Environmental Services at 281-210-3900


Allotment gardens consist of a series of plots leased to individuals who may grow whatever they please and harvest whatever they grow. Although individuals work the plots, the gardens as a whole help community too. They provide a place for the community to meet, socialize, and trade gardening information and techniques. The Environmental Services Department at the Community Association of The Woodlands maintains such a garden at the Bear Branch Sports Park.

The necessity for an allotment garden in The Woodlands came from the community's need for space to garden. In order to maintain the existing forest habitat in The Woodlands, deed restrictions do not allow the removal of any tree over 6" in diameter without permission. These restrictions leave many gardeners without enough sunlight to grow vegetables on their property.

The community garden consists of forty beds of varying sizes, with a portion of the garden designated as "organic only." Gardeners have the choice between using organic and chemical-based methods. Gardeners working in the area where conventional methods are allowed are encouraged to use organic methods, and strict guidelines are issued for using chemical pesticides. The organic and conventional beds are separated by at least 30 feet, and the use of pesticides is closely monitored. Only low-volume, low-pressure sprayers and dusters are allowed. Herbicides are completely forbidden in the beds.

Community gardeners maintain four compost bins on the premises and composting is highly encouraged. Composting classes are offered throughout the year and on composting workdays, a chipper-shredder is brought in to break down woody material. Since nearly every member of the garden has an e-mail address, classes and workdays are announced electronically.

Linda Crum is the Garden Coordinator for the Bear Branch Community Garden. She received a Master Gardeners Certification and works closely with the Master Gardeners, always exceeding her volunteer hours at the Montgomery County Extension's gardens. She has an Organic Vegetable Specialist Certificate from Urban Harvest. Organic gardening is very important to her and she works with others to help them find organic solutions to their garden problems. When asked for advice about ornamental plantings, she recommends native and adaptable plants. Her passion for gardening is an inspiration to her fellow gardeners.

The Bear Branch gardens are beautiful as well as functional. When approaching the gardens, you notice the flowerbeds surrounding the fence. Bringing together people of many different cultures, the gardens provide an opportunity for gardeners to share and learn from their diverse cultural and culinary heritages. As with all community gardens, Bear Branch helps build friendship, cooperation, and a sense of common purpose between members of the community.

If you are interested in having a garden plot at the Bear Branch Community garden and are a resident of the Woodlands, please contact Environmental Services at 281-210-3900.