Written by: Penelope Hyland, Colorado Master Gardener, 2018
The Pueblo Food Project has partnered with some of CSU Extension’s Master Gardeners to plant edible landscapes in three different areas around the City of Pueblo: Sister City Plaza, Central Plaza and Mineral Palace Park. Instead of planting ornamental annuals or perennials, this pilot project is planting a variety of edibles including vegetables and herbs.
Central Plaza Garden
The goal is to create a greater awareness of the value and benefits of growing your own food and to recognize the appearance of healthy food. They hope to encourage self-sufficiency and a healthier eating lifestyle. Educational videos are also being made and hopefully more people would be interested in community gardens for their own use.
Sister Cities Garden
A group of Master Gardeners at each location, decided upon different herbs and vegetables to plant in the allotted spaces. They planted and then have worked to maintain the spaces all summer and helped to design signs. All of the harvest is free to the public. Anyone may help themselves and pick any of the produce for their own use. Any leftover harvest will be donated to the Grow and Give Program for the relief of hunger.
Mineral Palace Garden
All the Master Gardeners involved are pleased to be a part of such a worthy pilot program and are hopeful that not only will it continue in the future, but that the public will enjoy helping themselves to the fresh grown produce in their own city.
