Teen Fellow Blog: The Sharon Food Justice Garden

Rohan Novasad, 2024 Teen Farm Fellow, is a rising sophomore at Hanover High School. He enjoys XC running, skiing, and mountain biking.

Food Forest at The Sharon Food Justice Garden

The Sharon Food Justice Garden, located in rural Vermont, is a small plot of land committed to the rebalancing of the food system. Over the last hundred years, most agricultural operations have involved exploitation of either the farmland, the workers, or both. However, local organizations like the Regeneration Corps have a different vision for our future. Based in Vermont, the Regeneration Corps is a volunteer movement working against climate change on a small scale. The garden, run by volunteers, is dedicated to giving back to both the people and the planet.

A member of the Regeneration Corps focused on permaculture and landscaping, Karen Ganey, worked with us to both maintain the garden and plan a food forest, or an area for the town to hang out and enjoy free crops. A food forest, unlike what it may seem, is growing food not in a forest, but in the style of a forest. This is done by emulating natural patterns, such as situating the taller trees in the back, while planting shrubs and bushes near the front to give all plants access to sunlight. While we were at the garden, we planted food hedges, or “fedges,” to provide shade and barriers, and other, larger trees to provide fruits and shelter. We didn’t plant the crops in rows, as might be expected in a common garden, but following a branching, Y-shaped pattern to maximize sunlight and growth. Additionally, all the plants we grew are native to New England, which restores the area’s historical flora. Altogether, the garden connects the community through a space to relax, while also demonstrating the importance of agriculture and the planet.

The three “pillars of sustainability” (Social, Economic, and Environmental) are perfectly embodied by the Sharon Food Justice Garden. Community members will be able to use this garden as a park area to hang out, socially connecting the area. People can also harvest food for free, giving back to the community while also demonstrating economic sustainability. Perhaps most importantly, the replanting of native trees in natural patterns exhibits environmental sustainability, expanding the nearby forest with familiar foliage. Whether visiting from Sharon or from across the country, you too will be able to explore the garden and experience the connection of community.