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Community Gardens farm is back in businessby Sharon DiLorenzo First came the floods in 1999. Then in 2000, it was a mudslide. But nothing has stopped Capital District Community Gardens (CDCG) from accomplishing what it set out to do in early 1999-offer local residents an alternative to a small neighborhood garden in the city. The Normanskill Farm, located just off Delaware Avenue, was just the right spot to offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Albany. Working with officials from the City of Albany and state Department of Transportation, CDCG provided technical assistance on the relocation and reconstruction of the Normanskill Garden. By June 2001, the garden was fenced and ready for gardeners. We're happy to report that George Broeckx (community gardener and Coop member) has begun to recreate his beautiful garden paradise that he worked on for many years prior to the mudslide. Plots at the Normanskill Farm are 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 square feet. The garden is managed organically and the land is plowed in the spring. The soil in the new site will require some time and effort before it rivals the quality of the original garden, but the city has been dumping loads of compost and leaves to jumpstart that process. If you are interested in cultivating a plot at the Normanskill Farm, call Capital District Community Gardens at 274-8685. Capital District Community Gardens is a private, nonprofit organization that has been working with local residents for the past 30 years to improve their neighborhoods through gardening and greening projects. The organization manages 40 cooperative gardens in Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer counties, plants hundreds of city street trees annually, and works with individuals, organizations and municipalities to improve the quality of life and appeal of our cities. |
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