It all started with a simple question posted to a local Facebook page: why isn’t there a community garden in Seaford? That question developed into a desire, which led to the formation of The Seaford Community Garden project, whose motto is: “For every seed planted is another heart grown in Seaford.”
The garden is the brainchild of Cass Day. “I wouldn’t be able to do anything without a team of like-minded people who want to see something good in this community,” said Day. “We came up with the idea in March, and it’s been moving along since.”
Shown are (not in order) Seaford Community planners Cass Day, Emma Adams, Chris Reachard, Karen Bartling, Caitie Depelteau, Carolyn Nelson, and Lee Black. Photo by Rebecca Jones
On the corner of Pearl and High Streets, plans are in the works to erect free, elevated garden beds for veterans. Across the street, another plot of land will be the site of elevated garden beds for those in the community who would like to grow their own vegetables for a fee. That fee will go toward maintaining all sites. Aleman Fitzgerald Properties, LLC and Family is allowing the garden to take shape on some of their property. “We wouldn’t be here without him,” stated Day.
Besides the raised garden beds, designs show a small children’s play area, benches, plus a chess and checker table for the public. Within the garden area, a library box will be erected for people to give and take free books. A seed and recipe sharing box is also slated to grace the garden.
If the plans come to complete fruition, the Seaford Community Garden will become a true, community project. The Seaford Community Garden will rely solely upon volunteers and donations. Members of Boy Scout Troop 249 are building the chess/checkerboard out of wire spool spindles. Felix Cruz – owner of CC Carpentry – is building the first veterans’ garden beds from recycled pallets. The “Hey Sis” foundation is working on the mobile library, plus the seed and recipe sharing boxes. Everything is going to be made out of recycled materials,” Day said.
Currently, the Seaford Community Garden is looking for sponsors, families, organizations and businesses that would be willing to donate time, resources and manpower as the project progresses. Sponsors of the project will have their names put on a plaque and mounted onto the fence. Day noted, “We’re always looking for sponsors. Perhaps a family or business would be willing to sponsor a seasonal rental bed for a lower income family.”
A fun way they are currently raising money is through their “Sip and Paint” nights. The first “Sip and Paint” night was at C & C Country Kitchen, on High Street. September’s “Sip and Paint” night – also at C & C – is booked solid. The next one will be October 1 at Abscher’s Farm on River Road. For more information, email seafordcommunitygarden@yahoo.com.
The Seaford Community Garden also sets up booths at various events, to inform the public about their efforts, and to raise funding. On Saturday, Sept. 11, they will have a booth at the 9/11 Family Freedom Festival, held at the VFW Virgil Wilson Post 4961 on Middleford Road, Seaford. The Community Garden will sell house plants, mums and some artwork from prior “Sip and Paint” nights.
On Oct. 8, athletes from Seaford High School will work in conjunction with the Boy Scout Troop 249 to erect fencing. The leaders of the Seaford Community Garden plan to open the garden to the public by April of 2023.
