Blawnox Community Garden volunteers hope their seeds will reap a bountiful harvest of friendship and togetherness.
Nearly 20 people from 5 to 70 participated in the first planting of the season May 30 at the garden inside Blawnox Community Park.
Garden coordinator Carol Hillwig said they are hoping for a good crop of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, eggplants, beans, radishes, lettuce and more.
“The vegetables we grow at the community garden, when harvested, are used for local residents,” Hillwig said.
“(Some are) also donated to North Hills outreach program that comes to the Blawnox Borough Building each month in the summer. We supply them with some fresh vegetables to give away. There is also a Blawnox food pantry and Second Harvest in Sharpsburg. So, all vegetables grown are given back to Blawnox and nearby communities.”
Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz was among the late May volunteers. She has a special connection to a particular plant.
“My family has been gardening as long as I can remember,” she said. “The garden wanted to include an heirloom plant this year. The tomato plant I planted was from a seed of a tomato that my father’s family brought from Italy.
“We as a family were honored to be asked. Watching a seed grow to a plant and produce fruits and vegetables is exciting and satisfying. Being part of the gardening community, what more can you ask?”
The garden originally was founded by a church group in 2018 along Center Avenue.
However, various leadership changes pushed the project to the wayside, and the site sat empty for about three years, Hillwig said.
Hillwig said she and former resident Dabney Schlea, along with other members of the Best of Blawnox organization, decided to work the land and restore it in 2021.
“I love gardening and enjoy taking care of the community garden with the help of all the volunteers,” Hillwig said.
The group received grants and guidance through Grow Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that supports and helps to develop food-growing initiatives.
There are 10 raised beds. People are welcome to join in the agricultural experience at 6 p.m. Thursdays throughout the summer.
Some vegetables are expected to be available in July. The garden’s season usually ends in late September.
Folks are invited to bring their own tools and are reminded the park closes at dusk.
For details, visit bestofblawnox.com or the garden’s Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/blawnoxgarden.
