2012 Garden Flood Relief Grant Program

Ten communities around the state rebuild Irene-damaged gardens

Ten gardens around the state rebuilt safe and secure food production sites in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. The first round of 2012 Garden Flood Relief grants were made possible through an Irene Recovery Fund grant from the Vermont Community Foundation and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont provided the funding for the second grant round.

The grants were open to any community or school group whose garden was damaged by the August 2011 flooding as well as groups who wish to start new gardens in flood-affected areas. The following gardens received up to $1,000 to help rebuild (or relocate). The grants covered soil testing, soil amendments, replacement fencing, infrastructure for new garden sites, and technical assistance.Gardener’s Supply Company also donated tools to each garden site.

Center for Sustainable Practice Garden in White River Junction
Children’s Early Learning Space in Waterbury
Gardens for Learning in Montpelier
The Grateful Garden at Chester Andover Elementary School
Hardwick Community Gardens in Hardwick
Mellishwood Garden in Woodstock
Quechee Community Garden in Quechee
Riverside Mobile Home Park Community Gardens in Woodstock
Sustainable Woodstock Community Gardens in Woodstock/Pomfret
Yellow Barn Farm in Arlington

The photos above show the Quechee Community Garden pre-, during, and post-Irene. Approximately 50 people lost their crops when the Ottauquechee River flooded its banks. The garden was devastated and all fencing and supplies were destroyed.