GOOD IDEA: Why can’t Bradford have a big community garden? Or a
lot of little ones?

Everything you read about healthy living and even environmental
concerns comes down to a single word: local.

Factor in the sad state of our economy and gardening makes even
more sense.

We realize, of course, that many people already have gardens in
their backyards but not everybody in town has enough room to grow
their own vegetables and fruit. Many don’t have the know-how
either.

But we know the products are in demand.

When Bradford Regional Medical Center offered vegetables from
Canticle Farms in Allegany, N.Y., last year, it quickly became
evident that people had a great desire for these fresh edibles.
Unless you got there early — before it started — there wasn’t much
left. 

This type of “farmers market” was part of a health initiative by
the hospital and, in the wake of the many changes at that facility,
we’re not sure it will continue this summer. Let’s hope so.

And, we’re aware, too, of the downtown farmers markets held
throughout the summer. Also a positive step.

So why not take one further step?

Certainly, Bradford has plenty of empty lots all around town,
and even wide swatches of it exist along some stretches in
neighboring townships. Think of all the property of the water
department alone! Maybe somebody could even plant a garden on Main
Street. Any little nook and cranny could do.

The know-how exists, too.

Look at the experts at Evergreen Garden which produces enormous
quantities of prize-winning vegetables each year.

Cooperative Extension takes unbounded joy in offering seminars
on gardening and composting, even producing many “master gardeners”
who perhaps could be deployed to help in some of these
communities.

As long as we’re wishing, it would be nice, too, to have organic
meat and dairy products available locally.

That’s our idea for today. If it was good enough for the Victory
Gardeners in World War II, it’s good enough for us.

If you have a good idea to share, let us know.

We’ve been trying to occasionally make a suggestion in RTS,
mindful that we have to start somewhere.