Although Jessica's dad has been planting at the community garden for the past five years, this is the first year that Jessica and her sister, Rebeca, have helped in the planting responsibilities. Located next to the small, but scenic, Wallenberg Park along Curtner Avenue and Cottle Road, almost bordering Willow Glen Middle School, passers-by can observe gardeners of various ages hard at work. Community gardeners commit to cultivating a plot averaging 15 feet by 35 feet in size, according to set rules that include growing no plants taller than 6 feet, tending the garden regularly and forgoing any use of pesticides or herbicides. They pay an annual water fee of 12 cents per square foot, which includes use of the community rototiller, shed and wheelbarrows.
Gardeners supply their own small tools, hoses, seeds and plants.
Each receives a key to the garden gate, and can then come anytime between sunrise and sunset daily. While the majority of gardeners at Wallenberg are retired, most make it a family affair by involving others, either by helping out, or sharing their harvests. Although popular for centuries in such places as London and decades in Seattle, San Jose's foray into community gardening was rather a late bloomer, considering the Valley's former agricultural savvy. Naturally, once the gardeners got a taste of the program, they wanted it to continue as part of the regular offerings. The program has also historically provided a much-needed recreational outlet for our refugees, whether they came from Southeast Asia or Bosnia.