With the cost of food rising, concerns about food safety, and elevated interest in gardening, a small group banded together to create an organic community garden in Lebanon, NH. The hope was to offer garden plots to those living in dense neighborhoods with no suitable space. Little did we know the steep learning curve and numerous obstacles ahead.

A Smooth Start
At first, the task ran smoothly: the Carter Community Building Association offered land, liability insurance, 501(c)3 non-profit status, and a willingness to act as fiscal agent. The site they offered had access to water, full sun, and was centrally located. Looking good! But the soil evaluation, done by UNH Extension, indicated lead contamination. The report came with an advisory to not plant leafy greens, which are most likely to absorb lead, to wash root vegetables with soap and water . . . and to protect children under 6 and pregnant women from the soil - a far cry from our hopes for a healthy food supply!

A Rocky Road
Lead was not the only issue. When the sod and many rocks and boulders were removed from the garden site Memorial Day weekend, we found that our garden site was a long ago rubbish heap: Glass and pottery shards, rusted metal, coal and coal ash (no plastic, styrofoam, or pop tops.). We could not drive a stake into the ground, not even an inch. Our small garden committee was devastated! We had no money and no apparent options so late in the season.

A Silver Lining
There was a silver lining to the dark cloud: the response from our community. First to respond to our need was Upper Valley HEAL with funds that would allow for the building of raised beds with clean soil. Other individuals, businesses and organizations contributed labor, tools, compost, wood chips and other materials, and more funding.

As of August, we have a Children's Garden with a spiral pathway and a teepee hide-away which will be covered with beans next year. Seven raised beds are planted, shared by 10 gardeners, young and older, hailing from diverse backgrounds and countries. Our plan is for 40 raised beds next year and to integrate CCBA campers and other children into the life of the garden. It is with much gratitude that we thank UV HEAL and all those who have helped make this project happen - it took a village and the village responded!

• Learn more about Community Gardens
• For more information on the Canillas Community Garden, contact Pat McGovern.
• The Canillas Community Garden is named in honor of Frank Canillas, who for many years owned Emerson Gardens, which was adjacent to the current garden site. Frank was a much loved member of the Lebanon community.

Thanks to Pat McGovern for sharing this story and to Greg Norman of Upper Valley HEAL.