{Strengthening a Community’s Roots}
By Stacie Boschma
Just west of Georgia Tech and in the shadow of the Georgia Dome, Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood has been especially hard hit by the economic downturn, home foreclosures, urban blight, and the predictable bad elements that accompany hard times – crime and drugs.
In 2008, congregants of the New Life Covenant Church made a move to stem the tide of negativity, and gave their community a chunk of land to be used as a common space.
They envisioned a safe zone where kids could play and neighbors could mingle and build relationships. A community garden seemed like the perfect instrument, and the English Avenue Community Garden was born.
“We thought a community garden would serve as a connecting point for neighbors and just get folks outdoors and socializing, all while helping the community by providing better, fresher food,” says Garden Coordinator Stephen Causby. “We also wanted to have a way to teach kids about nature, food, and community, and this hit all three.”
As the plans for the garden took shape, next door neighbor Mattie Freeland, a 50-year resident of English Avenue and the unofficial “grandmother” to the community’s children, told organizers how nice it would be to look out her window and finally see flower beds blooming on the block. She passed away before the flower garden was completed, but the garden was re-christened the Mattie Freeland Community Garden in her memory.
Causby explains, “When she passed, it was like folks lost a family member. People looked to her for guidance, support, and friendship. She wasn't a famous individual, but one who made a tangible difference in this small place.”
Now with 11 raised beds and a flourishing mix of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, the garden is also making a tangible difference in English Avenue. An active kid’s garden project brings young people in for workshop topics, such as composting and the always kid-friendly theme of worms. A picnic area and green space provide the neighborhood with a place to simply get outside and play.
This spring, Trees Atlanta planted 45 trees to beautify the streets and installed a rainwater capture system to maximize irrigation.
Causby sees the project as an ongoing opportunity to revitalize English Avenue by offering residents a chance to be part of something productive and healthful. Through The Mattie Freeland Community Garden, this historic intown neighborhood is strengthening its roots.