2020 Garden Story and Photos

Backyard Garden Returns in 2020

Lots of work!
Planning of the Garden began with a vision in the summer of 2019. Diane and Jill Lundberg met at the UW South Madison Partnership Office and started brainstorming. Diane applied for Madison 2020 SEED Grant. Here is an excerpt from the grant application: "Community volunteer and organizer, Diane Small would like to turn her backyard into a garden to provide fresh vegetables, build community by honoring family traditions and cultural legacies. Her backyard garden is named after her mother Mamie. Diane’s family has roots in South Carolina and comes from a family of farmers. Diane’s home is Food Access Improvement Focus Area 3. She is a 30-year community member and home-owner. Diane was the recipient of the Urban League 2019 President’s Grassroots Hero Award. Diane has been the organizer of the Simpson Street Reunion Picnic for 10 years. In her words: “The main focus is to let everybody know that when they do come out, that we talk about whatever they want to talk about, we give hugs, we share food, we share stories.” Mamie’s backyard garden would do much the same. Diane is also a volunteer with the Get Movin’ Exercise class offered by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Twice a week, she gets the space at the UW South Madison Partnership Office ready for the class. She also helps prepare and organize the healthy snacks. She is deeply connected to her Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center. She is also an active member of the SS Morris Community AME Church on Milwaukee Street. Diane along with the help of Jill Lundberg, Master Gardner Volunteer and other community members, family and friends, she will keep her garden open for free home- grown vegetables."
Mamie's Mother Mrs. Maggie Lee Brown and Mamie's Sister Mrs. Maggie Lee Bevertte From Summerville, South Carolina
In April of 2020, Diane hired a local land and garden care contractor to remove carpeting from the backyard and rototill the soil. Tools were purchased and repaired. Next Daine and Jill removed a old tree stump and lots of weeds. Next soil was delivered. The soil was spread by some amazing UW student volunteers. The garden was planned, Plants and seeds were purchased and donated. May 20, the garden was planted again with the help of volunteers and friends. Diane held a Birthday Party and Garden Opening Party on June 13th. Here is a link to Capital Times article about the event and Diane's garden. Diane fed 100s of neighbors and friends in Madison over the course of the summer. By the end of summer and into fall, garden planning for 2021 had already begun.

Photos Summer 2020