The manpower of about 70 volunteers consisting of ASI representatives, Grow Beach! members and plot owners began to build and raise garden plots behind the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center on Sunday.
“I have this vision that’s coming into play, and I’ve been working on this for almost two years now,” ASI Vice President Nayiri Baghdassarian said. “ So seeing something tangible, its great.”
Baghdassarian said that volunteers had been working since about 10 a.m. and planned to finish as much as possible Sunday so that soil can be laid out and students can be planting by next week.
The Board Chair of Grow Beach! Elizabeth Flores said that once they are finished building the garden boxes, the physical planning and facilities management department can set up fencing and gates for security and build ADA regulated cement pathways and ramps.
As she was lending a hand to the building process, freshman theater major Megan Benetta said she would be renting a plot this semester. She said she plans to plant tomatoes, green beans and carrots once the plots are ready for gardeners.
“My mom used to grow a lot of vegetables and I always liked doing it with her,” Benetta said. “And I’ve been looking for something to keep me occupied.”
Baghdassarian said that all gardening would be organic. She said that Grow Beach! Plans to host workshops to teach organic gardening. Grow Beach! Holds meetings every other week.
Flores said that three quarters of the 88 plots have already been claimed. Applications to rent a plot for the semester are open until all slots are full.