Community GardenThe Litchfield Community Garden is sited on LLT’s Graham Thompson Preserve and is a joint effort between LLT and the Litchfield Community Center.
It boasts of garden plots, a tool shed, a pavilion, an adjacent field with a grassy trail which leads to a scenic viewing platform. To learn more or reserve a plot, please contact the Litchfield Community Center at 860-567-8302 or email litchfieldcommunitycenter@gmail.com. |
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Historical Timeline of the Community Garden
2006
Small Group “grassroots effort” initiated to establish a Community Garden in Litchfield led by Berta Andrulis Mette, John Acerbi, Clifford Cooper and Sarah Loring
September 2007
First public informational meeting held at Litchfield Community Center
Fall 2008
Litchfield Land Trust agrees to offer land on the Graham Thompson Land Preserve (intersection of Brush Hill Road & Route 202 on former Hassig Farm) for Garden. A Community Garden Committee formed with Litchfield Land Trust Members Herb Schettler, Michael Italiaander, Margy Minor, Berta Andrulis Mette, Executive Director of Litchfield Community Center and Community members: John Acerbi and Josh Litwin
2009
With a wonderful collaborative effort of many volunteers, the Litchfield Land Trust and Litchfield Community Center, as well as a founding grant of $10,000.00 made in memory of Michael Italiaander’s Mother, the Litchfield Community Garden is established. The land was tilled, fencing was installed, a parking area was created and a water line installed. 24 10 x 20 plots were made available and the Garden opened in May 2009. Applications were submitted and plots were filled with each gardener paying $15 for the season
July 2010
The Litchfield Land Trust grants a five year renewable Agricultural Lease to the Litchfield Community Center to oversee and maintain the Community Garden.Community Garden placed on tour of local gardens organized by Litchfield Community Center’s staff and LCC’s 10-year anniversary committee.
Summer 2010
Richard Crane earned his Eagle Scout badge by designing and building benches and a bulletin board for the Community Garden.
Spring – Summer 2011
8 additional plots were added to bring total to 32. Geoffrey Houser earned his Eagle Scout badge by designing and constructing a Garden Shed with the assistance of local contractor and carpenter, John Cappello. Material for project paid for with gardener’s season plot fees. Garden earns recognition accolades from Litchfield Garden Club.
2012 – 2014
Season begins with a series of workshops presented by Community Garden member and Master Gardener, Ellen Eberle (held at the Community Center). Plot fee raised to $20. 32 plots being tended this season. The shed is painted barn red by volunteer Rob Andrulis – honoring the farming heritage and history of the land. Potluck dinners are established and scheduled by Pam & Jeff Corning. Two new picnic tables purchased to compliment the evenings!
2015
Great season of vegetable and flower gardens for 43 total gardeners on 32 plots! The addition of a “younger generation” to the Garden has affirmed the importance of this experience for future generations! Young couples that garden together, bloom together!
2016
Gardener James Sutton starts a new season with securing a donation of bulbs and seeds from John Scheepers Co. in Bantam to grow flowers. The flowers were picked and bouquets made for senior neighbors in our community living independently or at Brandywine.
2017
The waterline is extended into the garden and spigot attached allowing for easier hose hookup and happier gardeners! Potluck dinners have become a delightful opportunity for the gardeners to get to know each other with the sharing of a dish, good company and lots of laughter “on the hill” as the sun sets.
2018
Community Garden begins 10th season! Marsh Hawk Meadow Trail established by LLT with grant from Seherr-Thoss Foundation. This trail provides a serene walking experience on the Graham Thompson Preserve and brings one to a viewing platform to further enjoy the natural wonders of this property
2019
Season starts off with a Seherr-Thoss Foundation grant which will provide funds for the addition of plots with fencing, repairs to the driveway, additional water line and a pavillion for shade and protection from foul weather. Pam & Jeff Corning establish a “Community Garden Permaculture Plot” as both an experimental & community educational project. We now have 40 plots serving the Community!
2020
Watch for the addition of a private Port-o-let enclosure in 2020!
Small Group “grassroots effort” initiated to establish a Community Garden in Litchfield led by Berta Andrulis Mette, John Acerbi, Clifford Cooper and Sarah Loring
September 2007
First public informational meeting held at Litchfield Community Center
Fall 2008
Litchfield Land Trust agrees to offer land on the Graham Thompson Land Preserve (intersection of Brush Hill Road & Route 202 on former Hassig Farm) for Garden. A Community Garden Committee formed with Litchfield Land Trust Members Herb Schettler, Michael Italiaander, Margy Minor, Berta Andrulis Mette, Executive Director of Litchfield Community Center and Community members: John Acerbi and Josh Litwin
2009
With a wonderful collaborative effort of many volunteers, the Litchfield Land Trust and Litchfield Community Center, as well as a founding grant of $10,000.00 made in memory of Michael Italiaander’s Mother, the Litchfield Community Garden is established. The land was tilled, fencing was installed, a parking area was created and a water line installed. 24 10 x 20 plots were made available and the Garden opened in May 2009. Applications were submitted and plots were filled with each gardener paying $15 for the season
July 2010
The Litchfield Land Trust grants a five year renewable Agricultural Lease to the Litchfield Community Center to oversee and maintain the Community Garden.Community Garden placed on tour of local gardens organized by Litchfield Community Center’s staff and LCC’s 10-year anniversary committee.
Summer 2010
Richard Crane earned his Eagle Scout badge by designing and building benches and a bulletin board for the Community Garden.
Spring – Summer 2011
8 additional plots were added to bring total to 32. Geoffrey Houser earned his Eagle Scout badge by designing and constructing a Garden Shed with the assistance of local contractor and carpenter, John Cappello. Material for project paid for with gardener’s season plot fees. Garden earns recognition accolades from Litchfield Garden Club.
2012 – 2014
Season begins with a series of workshops presented by Community Garden member and Master Gardener, Ellen Eberle (held at the Community Center). Plot fee raised to $20. 32 plots being tended this season. The shed is painted barn red by volunteer Rob Andrulis – honoring the farming heritage and history of the land. Potluck dinners are established and scheduled by Pam & Jeff Corning. Two new picnic tables purchased to compliment the evenings!
2015
Great season of vegetable and flower gardens for 43 total gardeners on 32 plots! The addition of a “younger generation” to the Garden has affirmed the importance of this experience for future generations! Young couples that garden together, bloom together!
2016
Gardener James Sutton starts a new season with securing a donation of bulbs and seeds from John Scheepers Co. in Bantam to grow flowers. The flowers were picked and bouquets made for senior neighbors in our community living independently or at Brandywine.
2017
The waterline is extended into the garden and spigot attached allowing for easier hose hookup and happier gardeners! Potluck dinners have become a delightful opportunity for the gardeners to get to know each other with the sharing of a dish, good company and lots of laughter “on the hill” as the sun sets.
2018
Community Garden begins 10th season! Marsh Hawk Meadow Trail established by LLT with grant from Seherr-Thoss Foundation. This trail provides a serene walking experience on the Graham Thompson Preserve and brings one to a viewing platform to further enjoy the natural wonders of this property
2019
Season starts off with a Seherr-Thoss Foundation grant which will provide funds for the addition of plots with fencing, repairs to the driveway, additional water line and a pavillion for shade and protection from foul weather. Pam & Jeff Corning establish a “Community Garden Permaculture Plot” as both an experimental & community educational project. We now have 40 plots serving the Community!
2020
Watch for the addition of a private Port-o-let enclosure in 2020!
