Montpelier Orchard aims to turn a burdensome vacant lot into a community asset. After two homes burned to the ground, the property was converted to a grass lot, and the adjacent neighbors cleaned up the ever-accumulating trash and mowed the lawn. Eventually it was decided that if we’re going to put all of this work into the lot, we may as well get something out of it.
In order to literally harvest the fruits of our labor, 61 fruiting plants including 14 blueberries, 14 blackberries, 14 raspberries, 13 grapes, 2 cherries, 2 pomegranates and 2 olives were planted (see layout). In addition to the new retaining wall, new fence and a trellis system to support the plants, all of the grass clippings are now piled into a composting system which produces feed for the plants. Neighborhood plumbers and craftsmen have built a time-activated irrigation system that waters and fertilizes the plants.
Although the harvest in this first year, 2009, will likely be small, as the plants establish their root systems the orchard should produce several pounds of fresh berries per week. The current aim is to use this harvest to generate funds for the orchard, as well as other community programs, by selling the berries at the Waverly Farmers Market. However, this is all pending a broader discussion with other community members. Of course, free berries will also be available to the community, offering a variety of health benefits. This includes potent protection against cancer which, according to a recent health census ofBaltimore City
In order to literally harvest the fruits of our labor, 61 fruiting plants including 14 blueberries, 14 blackberries, 14 raspberries, 13 grapes, 2 cherries, 2 pomegranates and 2 olives were planted (see layout). In addition to the new retaining wall, new fence and a trellis system to support the plants, all of the grass clippings are now piled into a composting system which produces feed for the plants. Neighborhood plumbers and craftsmen have built a time-activated irrigation system that waters and fertilizes the plants.
Although the harvest in this first year, 2009, will likely be small, as the plants establish their root systems the orchard should produce several pounds of fresh berries per week. The current aim is to use this harvest to generate funds for the orchard, as well as other community programs, by selling the berries at the Waverly Farmers Market. However, this is all pending a broader discussion with other community members. Of course, free berries will also be available to the community, offering a variety of health benefits. This includes potent protection against cancer which, according to a recent health census of
materials: Parks & People,
The Insoluble Fraction, Potts and Callahan, Inc., North American Kelp, Better Waverly Community Organization.
Rasberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Grape, Olive, Pomegranate: growing in Better Waverly!
Contact montorch@gmail.com or 443.869.2458
