Garden plots yield bountiful harvest
As fall breezes in, gardeners everywhere prepare to reap the rewards of a long season of watering, weeding, and waiting. Tomato plants have begun to strain under the weight of ripened fruit, herbs lend their fragrances to the air, and pole bean vines curl and twist riotously.
This fall's harvest is particularly satisfying for the gardeners who planted their crops in the 136 plots on the acre east of Westgate Road, just north of Terrace Elementary School.
These garden plots have been administered by the Des Plaines Park District since 1978, as part of their Community Organic Garden Program, on land owned by Commonwealth Edison. An agreement between Commonwealth Edison and the Des Plaines Park District, reached earlier this spring, allowed for this year's planting.
Steve Smuk, a retired park supervisor for the Des Plaines Park District, has been gardening on these plots for more than 10 years. Using only organic fertilizers, Smuk's crops this year include several varieties of peppers, tomatoes, beets, and carrots. While he and his family eat some of the vegetables right out of the garden, many are canned for enjoyment this winter.
“I was so glad to hear that the Park District and Commonwealth Edison were able to work out an agreement so that I could plant this year,” Smuk said.
John Hecker, executive director for the Des Plaines Park District agreed. “We were able to negotiate a one-year contract, from May of 2011 through October 31, 2011, with ComEd. We had to agree to certain provisos including keeping the plots free of any structures or vehicles, following all regulatory requirements at the federal level to maintain clear access to the transmission lines, insuring the gardeners used only organic planting materials in accordance with the USDA guidelines, and allowing ComEd complete access to the garden plot area,” he said.
“We are actively working with ComEd to finalize a five-year agreement, and are hopeful that after this year's successful relationship, a resolution is in the near future,” Hecker continued.
One of the strongest advocates for the Community Gardening Program is state Rep. Elaine Nekritz, (D-Northbrook) 57th District.
Nekritz champions intergovernmental partnerships, especially those that have positive health benefits for her constituents. Now in her fourth tern, Nekritz has a reputation of working in a bipartisan way to develop creative solutions to problems.
On a recent visit to the garden plots, Nekritz and Smuk discussed the agreement and Smuk's technique of hill planting. She sampled several varieties of peppers, pulled fresh off the plant, and had an opportunity to walk the area and survey the plots.
“The gardens have an incredibly peaceful feeling about them. I am so pleased that ComEd and the park district were able to work together, as neighbors, to provide families and seniors the opportunity to engage in this wonderful activity.”
“Every year the park district the garden plots sell out, and we have to put people on a waiting list,” said Hecker.
Both residents and non-resident gardeners for the past 30 years have enjoyed the camaraderie found in community gardening, the healthy benefits of staying active, and the pride of growing food, to supplement their table, and share with family and friends.
“We have complied to the letter with all of the mandates set forth in our agreement with ComEd this season, and we are hopeful that a second, longer-term arrangement can be reached.”
Though the growing season was delayed this year by a few weeks, as the details were finalized, the combination of heat and rain this summer has helped to produce bumper crops. The plots are now showing a rainbow of peppers, summer squash, herbs, flowers, ethnic vegetables, and many other carefully tended crops.
“Whether for food, fitness, or fun, gardening is an activity that provides many rewards, and we hope that will continue for years to come”, said Hecker.
For more information about programs at the Des Plaines Park District, visit www.DPParks.org.