Bexley to establish community garden

Bexley residents are invited to attend a meeting to learn about the establishment of a community gardening program.

An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Bexley City Council Chambers, 2242 E. Main St.

Ginny Salamy of the Bexley Tree and Public Garden Commission will lead the meeting. Residents can learn about the planned location of the garden, the benefits of a community garden and ways in which they can participate.

A community garden is a public plot where families and individuals can grow vegetables and flowers for their own use or to donate to others. According to the American Association of Community Gardens (www.communitygarden.org), community gardening improves people's quality of life by providing a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulating social interaction, encouraging self-reliance, beautifying neighborhoods, producing nutritious food, reducing family food budgets, conserving resources and creating opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy and education.

The Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission was established in 1998 by Bexley City Council to oversee the city's urban forest, raise funds for tree plantings and landscape improvements, and install gateways at the entrances to the community. 

Since then, more than 1,000 trees have been planted along Bexley's residential streets and business corridors with private donations. 

The Commission has also collaborated with the City of Bexley and various public and private organizations to raise funds for Bexley's landscaping projects, including the decorative entrances to Bexley at Broad and Nelson; Broad and Parkview; Broad and Gould; Cassady and Delmar Avenue; Clifton and Nelson; Pump House Park and the entry from I-70 at Alum Creek and Main Street. 

In addition, the commission has overseen the rejuvenation of Drexel Circle through the installation of a second row of trees, stone walls, a flag pole, irrigation system, landscaping, up lighting and flower plantings.

Salamy, a Bexley resident and chair of the Bexley Community Gardens Committee, combines her training as a nurse, landscape architect and architect to design restorative environments that help reduce stress and improve the quality of life for her clients and the community.

For more information, call Bexley City Hall at (614) 559-4200.

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