No. 73: Gateway Park Organic Community Garden

The sunny corner of land off Lowndes Avenue along New York Avenue is home to much more than fresh tomatoes, parsley, okra, sweet corn, beans, eggplants and other veggies, flowers and herbs, along with the birds and butterflies that thrive in that environment.

also is the culmination of dreams to get people involved in tending their community as well as their own food.

The 87 garden plots in Huntington Station are the result of efforts by the town of Huntington, numerous local organizations and the Long Island Community Agriculture Network, a project of the non-profit Starflower Experiences.

What once was a wooded corner that in recent years had security issues is now largely open space filled with garden plots. More plots will be added, hopefully by the end of the year, after the town completes rebuilding the retaining wall along New York Avenue, said LI-CAN Executive Director Frances Whittelsey. LI-CAN provides support such as educational outreach workshops, publicity, and access to agricultural resources such as mentors, markets, land, tools, seeds, and compost.

There is a separate section for 24 children's garden plots and six plots designed either for those in wheelchairs or even higher adaptive garden beds designed for those who have trouble bending.

On a recent sunny weekend morning, Donna Godfrey was planting lettuce seeds and thinning radishes that she'd planted when she first got the plot. “We’ve been on the waiting list for a year and just got our plot three weeks ago,” she said. “I’m loving it. It gives you a sense of accomplishment. And it all tastes so much better than in the store.”

Beverly Seaman and Junior Rivera were harvesting tomatoes from their plot, and squashing bean beetles, which had attacked their green bean plants. Rivera prepared to head off with a bag full of small tomatoes. “We’ll feed the neighborhood tonight with these,” Seaman said, hoisting the bag.

Rose and Tom Licameli tended their tomato plants as they harvested the first of their tomatoes and picked several gorgeous eggplants. "My mom's going to be happy this week," Rose said, noting she grows them while mom turns them into dinner.

They come to weed every few days, Rose said, and come every day to water during hot, dry stretches. “We’ve been lucky this year, there hasn’t been too much pilfering,” she said. But sometimes vegetables do go missing. “You want to think, well, if they need it that badly, let them take it, but then you think of all the hard work and they haven’t helped with it. Sometimes, it feels personal,” she said.

Those interested in a free plot may apply online here through LI-CAN. The group accepts donations of money as well as help with everything from maintaining the grounds to publicity, fundraising and children’s events.

The garden expects to hold its first sale of fresh organic vegetables on Saturday, Aug. 27, Whittelsey said. The Town Board approved the sale, with proceeds to benefit educational programs. It also plans a harvest festival in September.

Stay tuned for No. 72 next week, same time same place, as Huntington Patch explores the places and activities in town.