It’s about more than produce…

This post was written by Betsey Brairton

December 16, 2007

The map at localharvest.org still doesn’t show much happening in community gardening or Community Sustained Agriculture in Savannah or Chatham County.

Nonetheless, there are people around here who are and who have been bringing organic farm products to their families and this community all the while. They are working on the community garden thing and even residential communities too.

Meet Michael Maddox, an organic farmer/gardener in the Bloomingdale area who sits on a 25-acre organic homestead. Maddox has presided over this land and tended it, organically, for some 15 years. Using learned tricks of the trade and tending a passion for gardening, he has provided produce to local restaurants and stores while also working a day job all these years. … Now, Maddox is looking to develop his land into a sustainable community. At this site, no more than a dozen 1.25- to 2-acre lot owners will commit to and share the concept of sustainability. Residents will have access to the gardens and orchards on the property and will be encouraged to take part in the growing process and harvest. The community garden could be opened to the public as well.

Maddox’s vision is to have the project ready to roll this spring. It could well serve as a template for small sustainable communities in the area. Maddox posted a comment under community gardens on this site and provided his e-mail address for those interested in more information.

Posted in Community Gardens, Food, Planning