Three years ago, a 3.7-acre lot between Magnolia and Sycamore streets in West Ashley was slated to be filled with 26 houses—until the Charleston Parks Conservancy (CPC) coordinated with the East Cooper Land Trust and Charleston County to scoop it up, that is. When meeting with residents about what kind of green space they desired, the same answer kept sprouting: a community garden. Well get your spades ready, neighbors, because this month, phase one of the soon-to-be-named garden opens for business.
Deeded to the City of Charleston by the CPC, it includes 40 four-by-eight garden beds available to locals for $50 per year, plus 16 community plots—all pre-filled with soil and compost. A pavilion designed and constructed by students from The Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston will host gardening classes (and offer respite from the summer sun).
Watch for this parkland to continue evolving and expanding. Ultimately, says CPC program director Jim Martin, “We hope to create an urban horticulture center here.” To learn more, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org.
