Point Loma has staked a claim in the flourishing urban agriculture movement. In a joint effort between Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) and Westminster Presbyterian Church, a new community garden is under construction on an unused portion of church land between Cañon and Talbot streets. Like other community gardens across San Diego, many with waiting lists to get in, plots in the Westminster Community Garden will be available for rent or sponsorship. The idea for the garden took root at the crossroads of inspiration, education and social justice. Professor Harry Watkins, Ph.D., who teaches classes in sustainability at PLNU, had opened his backyard for a friend to grow a garden. One weekend, Joe Mayer, a church member, went to help the friend harvest the crop. “Nifty,” Mayer said. “Maybe we can do that.” Watkins pitched the idea to the six students in his “Sustainability in Action” class and they eagerly created plans. When class ended and the garden was still on paper, students and teacher weren’t satisfied. So they rolled up their sleeves. Watkins turned to Victory Gardens San Diego for real-time education in gardening. The manual for a Gardening 201 class became the textbook for the project. Teacher and students dug in with Fred Gestra, a 32-year church member and volunteer. “We need to not be dependent on food that is transported 1,500 miles from farm to table,” said Watkins. “We need to grow food and build families and community across many affected socio-economic groups.” To that end, growers who rent plots will be asked to donate 20 percent of their yield to people in need. For Beth Tipton, a PLNU senior who will graduate in May with a degree in international studies and minor in sustainability, the garden is her way of acting locally. “I was frustrated learning about international issues and not feeling I could act against hunger, wars, famine and the injustices of the world,” she said. “But I can have a big impact locally. We can place seeds in the ground and impact people.” And so she works the land; 75,000 square feet of dirt and grass cradled between a playground and grove of eucalyptus trees. “We need to be connected to the food systems,” she said. “The wonder of life is clearly seen here. Because we’re conscious and aware of how we use the land, it makes us more observant.” To date, the garden’s plots have been staked, a barn built and painted, and an irrigation system, funded by the church, has been installed. Tipton will work alongside her teacher, fellow students and volunteers every Saturday until the garden’s grand opening, planned for March. But there is still much that needs to be done — fencing installed, bricks laid and the land tilled. Support from the community is also needed to bring the project to fruition. While $2,000 of an estimated $7,000 in costs has been raised, the Westminster Community Garden still needs donations — which are tax deductible — along with garden tools and supplies, and the time and talent of people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Tipton hopes her passion will inspire people to purchase a plot, or sponsor one so someone else can grow their own food. Paul Rahilly said he is on board. He stumbled on the garden on a regular outing with his family to the church’s playground. He has a garden at home, but he said he will sponsor a plot through his business, Mtelligence, so someone else can reap the benefits. Westminster Community Garden’s 10-foot-by-10-foot plots are available for $25 for six months. Larger 10-foot-by-20-foot plots cost $40 for six months. Fees will help defray water and maintenance costs. A concert fundraiser will be performed by members of the San Diego Symphony at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3598 Talbot St. Tickets are $10. All proceeds will be donated to the project. For more information on contributing, volunteering or renting a plot, contact the Westminster Presbyterian Church at (619) 223-3193.
