2 community gardens launched in Edgewood

The 755 Alliance and the American Heart Association have launched two community gardens in Edgewood to help provide residents with a communal space to grow food.

The Patrick Daley — Mark Logsdon Community Garden is at the American Legion Post 17, while the other garden is about a mile away at Presbury United Methodist Church. Community members will have unrestricted access to both gardens and can bring their own seeds or use starter packs provided by the alliance through their basic gardening class.

“We know that a diet rich in produce is essential to heart health and overall well-being,” said Tracy Brazelton, the executive director of the American Heart Association, Baltimore and Greater Maryland Division. “That’s why gardens like this one are so important — they help break down barriers to healthy eating and bring fresh, affordable options closer to home.”

Nutrition security was at the forefront of this launch as both organizations aim to bring healthier food options to communities. AHA has worked with other organizations around Maryland, providing them with funding and resources through their “Live Fierce. Stand for All” initiative sponsored by the University of Maryland Medical Systems. The first garden was established last fall at a revitalized community garden on Coppin State University’s campus.

In 2018, the Harford County Health Department found through data research that 9% of the county’s population lacked adequate access to food. t

The gardens are projected to yield about 600 pounds of fresh produce and fruits a season, according to BangTam Miller, president of the 755 Alliance, which is devoted to revitalizing the Edgewood Road corridor.

Each week, the alliance will assign a group of volunteers to maintain the gardens by harvesting and weeding, Miller said. Volunteers, however, don’t have to be the only ones sustaining the garden, as community members are welcome to harvest and weed as they see fit.

For residents concerned about unrestricted access to the gardens, Miller said knowing the population was key for the organization, as it understands some community members work long hours and won’t have the time to visit the garden during the day.

“If you give it … you can’t place rules on how you give, that’s always been my philosophy in our organization,” Miller said.

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Signage for the new garden at American Legion Post 17 is seen on a bench in front of the raised beds, one of two community gardens which officially opened in Edgewood on Wednesday. (Brian Krista/Staff)

Elizabeth Wise, president of University of Maryland, Upper Chesapeake Health speaks at the podium while joined by, from left, Tracy Brazelton, executive director of the American Heart Association, Baltimore and Greater Maryland division, Richard Drabic, Commander of American Legion Post 17 and BangTam Miller, president of 755 Alliance during the official opening of two community gardens in Edgewood on Wednesday. (Brian Krista/Staff)

Eight-year-old Oliver Derisca of Edgewood, right, takes part in a planting with, from left, BangTam Miller, president of 755 Alliance, Bethany Logsdon, daughter of former Harford County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon and Ennise Bloom, a Master Gardener and part of the garden’s planning committee, during the official opening of a garden at American Legion Post 17, one of two new community gardens in Edgewood, on Wednesday. (Brian Krista/Staff)