Spring Events in and around One Valley Gardens

Part of One Valley’s mission is to build community. Gathering around a table during work breaks, there is time for neighbors to reminisce about old times and friends.

On April 4^th, One Valley participated in a community tree planting at Villa Heights. We were joined by CommUNITY ARTS reach and other organizations in the Villa Heights Community Center.

This spring, Auset Drakeford volunteered with the Virginia Youth Conservation Initiative and choose One Valley gardens as project space for installing bee hotels and native plants to attract pollinators. Here Auset and her mom work at planting the native plants.

This summer, we anticipate the demolition of the old brick house at 525 Loudon, which is next to the Carver Garden and currently provides the garden’s water supply. So, this spring, we have been working on rerouting the water line for the Carver Garden to provide a more permanent source of water. The new configuration includes a backflow preventer, a frost-free hydrant, and automated irrigation controls. The rocky ground proved a real challenge to trenching and laying the new line.

Earlier this year, Rev. Carter and Andre installed two donated raised beds at the Melrose Library, which have been planted with vegetables and cared for by the library staff and young visitors.

The Carver Garden and the garden at 8^th & Gilmer are nearly in full production. We are delivering fresh produce once again to various local churches and food pantries. We host various groups from time to time, either to volunteer or to tour the gardens and learn about urban farming.

The Carver Garden at 6th & Loudon

The Garden at 8th & Gilmer