Fresh Picking at the Help Yourself Garden

Tom and Laura Huth-Rhoades moved to Lowell nine months ago.  Tom is a Michigander having grown up in Clarksville. Laura was used to a more urban setting relocating from Urbana, IL.  They settled on Lowell as a place to start their roots as the best combination of rural and urban. This spring, they began planting roots which would become an inspiration to the community.  

On July 15, a post was created on the Chez Huth-Rhoades Facebook page introducing the Help Yourself Garden.  It has become a locally viral post, having been shared more than 200 times.  Tom and Laura have created a garden, inviting members of the community to take items ready to be picked.  The endeavor has grown into volunteers coming forward to help water, weed, drop off excess items from their garden to share with others, and more.  

Taking Shape
Tom and Laura took out the grass in the area between the sidewalk and street, sometimes referred to as the parkway or tree lawn, at their home on Main Street.  While the move made for less grass to mow, it didn’t necessarily cut down in the time it takes to do yard work at their home. The two planted an extensive garden in the cleared location.  Laura took on this type of project on a smaller scale in the community where she lived prior to Lowell. The current garden is about 10 times the size.

Why plant a garden in such a public right of way?  To invite the public to reap the benefits of what is being grown there.  The Help Yourself Garden is open to members of the community to take vegetables and herbs for personal use.    And it’s a unique take on what to do with this space, offering something more attractive to look at provided it’s maintained.  

Photo courtesty of Ada Smith.

Laura reviewed city ordinances and saw no restrictions to being able to put this type of ground cover between the curb and sidewalk.  “As long as you maintain a visibility triangle, don’t plant things like poison ivy (which would be silly), and keep weeds to a minimum, community gardens could in fact take root (pun intended) all across town.” she says.  Being on Main Street but having the garden along Grove provides ideal exposure from a main thoroughfare with ease of safe access away from a busy road.  

Tom and Laura also felt the east side of town didn’t have easy options for fresh items on a daily basis.  “We wanted to offer this garden as a way for folks to have easy access to wholesome, fresh – and free – veggies and herbs on this side of town without requiring a car ride or a trip across town. And without breaking the bank.” says Laura.

This spring, the two began preparing the area.  Sod was removed, items were planted, and mulch was put down.  Then it was time to sit back and watch the fruit of their labors.  And once items were ready for harvest, the announcement of the Help Yourself Garden was made.

Community Invitation and Reaction
A variety of fresh herbs are available in the garden.  Other items include tomatoes, onions, kale, Swiss Chard, lettuce, eggplant, and peppers.  The list of items is extensive. The garden is a good way to try something new, pick up ingredients for a meal, meet others in the community who may happen to be there at the same time, and even contribute items or time.  Or if you and your family don’t have time or space for a garden but would like some fresh items, this is the place to visit. It’s also a good way to teach and show kids how things grow prior to ending up at a farmers’ market or grocery store.  

Photo courtesty of Ada Smith.

The reaction to the existence of a garden where items are free created a spark.  Along with comments on how the idea of such a space was a welcomed addition to the community, Tom and Laura have received numerous offers of help.  Some have volunteered to help water and weed. Others are interested in donating seeds and plants for next year’s garden. And offers of leaving excess harvest from personal gardens for others to take have taken place.  Squash and green beans have been added by another members of the community. There has also been interest on how to start a similar garden in other areas of the community.

Nicole Rinks is a realtor with an office in the old Superior building.  She grew up attending Lowell Area Schools and has four kids who have either graduated from Lowell or are current students in the district.  She read about the garden on Facebook, prompting her to stop by. “Something like this is an asset to any community because not only does it teach the skills associated with gardening and self sufficiency, but it builds bonds between people therefore building a better community.” she says.  Rinks also adds that the garden puts healthy food on tables and “builds a mindset of giving selflessly”. She didn’t take anything the day she visited but plans on going back. Her busy work schedule has not allowed her to have her own garden so she’s thankful to have an option for fresh, self-picked items to use in her home.  

Photo courtesty of Ada Smith.

Kids have also come forward to help volunteer.  Ada lives in the neighborhood. She and a friend were witnessed, by Laura, coming to the garden to look, touch, smell, and taste.  They left and returned with a phone to take photos of the various things they found interesting. Eventually Laura would strike up a conversation with the two girls, who now stop by to help water the plants, pull weeds, and make signs inviting people to visit and take items.  They are learning about community service, gardening, and having fun, in addition to being an inspiration to other kids and adults.

Future Growth
It’s safe to say the Help Yourself Garden is already a hit and received well within the community.  Tom and Laura already have plans for expanding their idea. There is still an area on the other side of their driveway to turn into a garden area.  Tom and Laura are looking at installing a waterproof container for baggies, scissors, and recipe ideas. Laura also has hopes of offering a pickable flower garden in the future and add a Little Free Library sharing library box.  Anyone who wishes to donate time or items for the current garden, help create new gardens, or build a sharing library box should contact Tom and Laura through their Chez Huth-Rhoades Facebook page.  

This page is also the spot to follow along to see what items are ready for harvest in the garden and find recipes on how to use items which can be picked.  If Laura is home and spots a visitor you may find yourself featured on the page showing what you picked. Visitors are also encouraged to send photos and recipes to share.

Photo courtesty of Ada Smith.

The garden will continue to evolve over time depending on needs and feedback from those who visit and contribute.  “I hope this garden will inspire ideas across the community for small ways we can all contribute to make Lowell – and this world – an even better place!” says Laura of one way she is contributing to the community.  If you are looking to find some fresh produce for a meal, new recipe, or want to try an item you’ve never had in the past, stop by 906 E. Main and visit the Help Yourself Garden.

1 Comment

  1. I am so very thankful to Laura and Tom and their Come Help Yourself Garden. I have learned so much from Laura about vegetables I had never tried before and now love to cook and eat. I am now also eating fresh herbs instead of buying the dried ones at the grocery store. Thank you fir all you do and all you have taught me.

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