Enabling Gardens, a recent vegetative community effort, officially opened on June 11. The garden was made a reality thanks to the help of the people of Phoenix Community Garden, the Best Buddies program, and the Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners.

This is no ordinary garden. The brainchild of Karen J. Olson, a member of the Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners, Enabling Gardens was designed to allow anyone of any physical ability to access it. The growing beds are raised over a sidewalk, giving access to those in wheelchairs or scooters. As a community space, anyone with an itchy green thumb is welcome to water, weed, or tend to the Enabling Gardens. This summer, the enabling beds will consist mostly of herbs used to flavor food at the Community Table and the Campus Kitchens Project.

The Enabling Gardens are located on Forest Street within the Phoenix Community Garden (Facebook), which is a local, non-profit organization. The group rents plots to those who wish to grow herbs, flowers, or fresh vegetables. Anyone who volunteers in the communal garden is offered free produce.

If you want to get involved, volunteer during Phoenix Garden’s set community work hours.  

Community Workdays:
   Mondays 9 a.m. to noon
   Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
   Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can contact Phoenix Community Garden directly at thephoenixgarden@gmail.com