Homegrown in Herkimer County: Conversation with Ilion Community Garden Director, Amanda Norton

Part two of Conversations with a Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

This past March, after more than 50 hours of training, field trips and group sessions, a number of dedicated individuals interested in gardening and working in their communities, became Certified Master Gardener Volunteers through the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. These volunteers came together from cities and towns throughout the Mohawk Valley including from Herkimer, Otsego, Schoharie, Montgomery and Delaware counties.

We recently had a chance to talk with the Director of the Ilion Community Garden, Amanda Norton, who is also Certified as a Master Gardener Volunteer. This week, we dive into learning more about the Ilion Community Garden and the importance of gardening at home and in our communities.

How did you get started with the Ilion Community Garden?

“When I purchased my home in Ilion in 2016, I was excited to be able to start a garden. I had previously lived in apartments without an area to garden in, and bought my home specifically because it had a yard with plenty of sun, but it is very small. After community networking and advocating with village leadership for over a year, they gave us their blessing to start a garden on East Main St. We broke ground in 2019 planting Apple Trees.”

Can you tell us a little about the Ilion Community Garden?

“The Ilion Community Garden is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. We have 15 raised garden beds, Apple Trees, a large pollinator meadow, and native shrubs and trees. It’s located on East Main Street in Ilion, next to the Village Sign and the Car Wash. We currently operate under a rental model, where folks can rent a growing space for the season and grow anything they like for their own personal use. We also grow shared crops in un-reserved areas and a large in-ground patch we call the ‘East Patch.’ This year, we hope to rebuild our rotten garden beds, build a farm stand, and revamp our compost system.”

Who can participate in the Ilion Community Garden? What can they expect?

“Anyone can participate and there are different opportunities based on your level of time commitment. If you were to reserve a growing space, I would expect you to visit 2-3 times a week to water and care for your plants. If you can’t commit to that, we do larger events and work days periodically throughout the season. The best way to stay up to date is to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We can also be contacted via email IlionNYGarden@gmail.com. We do a group email chain throughout the growing season for current volunteers and the group communicates regularly there.”

How does gardening contribute to a sense of community?

“I have met more people in my community working on the community garden project than I have doing anything else. It is uncomfortable sometimes, because I can be shy and I like being alone with my plants or reading a book. Gardening helps us get in touch with Mother Earth. It is where we all come from and where we all return when life is over. We are all connected.”

In your role at the Ilion Community Garden, what are you looking forward this season? Is there anything new happening at the Ilion Community Garden this year?

“I am looking forward to making some much needed improvements at the garden with the grant money we were fortunate to be awarded this year from the Community Foundation and Herkimer CCE. Fund raising has been one of the biggest challenges, and we finally have the support we need to take this garden into the future.

I’m also looking forward to installing a farm stand for our volunteers and community members to donate fresh produce to. Our community is in a food desert, and a lot of folks work very hard for low wages. Having fresh food available for free from a farm stand would be a dream. I’m also excited about having the Veggie Van and a cooking demonstration in collaboration with Herkimer CCE.”

If someone doesn’t know much about gardening, what’s a good way to get started?

“I really enjoy watching gardening content online, but there is a lot of bad information out there. I recommend reaching out to your county cooperative extension for reliable resources. I also have a couple local gardening mentors that are generous with their knowledge. Ask questions at your local greenhouse and farmers markets! Lastly, expect failure. Developing the skill of gardening is a practice in mastery, not perfection. You develop knowledge through a lot of trial and error.”

What can people without a garden space do to start small?

“A small herb garden only needs a few hours of sun a day to give you delicious and healthy culinary options. Herbs are also easy to grow in containers. I enjoy growing basil, rosemary, and oregano in pots on my kitchen windowsill. Container gardening can be tricky, regular fertilizing and proper harvest techniques are important. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and use high quality potting soil. I like to fertilize with an organic fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, to get those lush green leaves”

Do you have recommendations for people that live in another town?

“If you want a community garden in your area, talk to your neighbors. Ask them if they would help. Put yourself out there and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. The process is messy and frustrating sometimes, don’t give up. Be the shining light you wish to see in yourcommunity. After doing this for 9 years, burnout is very real. Make sure you take care of yourself and ask for help. Healthy soil is not built overnight. Eat your veggies!”

What is something that you’d really like folks to know?

“Mutual Aid is needed all over our communities. How can you bring your abilities and talents into your community for a positive impact? Independence is largely a myth, we need each other!”

We’re so grateful to Amanda for sharing the process of becoming a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer as well as her role as the Director of the Ilion Community Garden. For more information about community gardens in your local community, gardening best practices, and so much more, be sure to reach out to your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office which you can find here.