Photos by Ron Burkett.
Gaby Spangenberg puts new gravel on a walkway. She is one of the caretakers of the garden and lives in the house on the premises.
Five years ago, Sims Gardens was suffering from a lack of consistent care. Native plants were overtaken by invasive plants, many things were overgrown and the city of Homewood was not able to take care of it.
“It was in pretty bad shape. It had not had any consistent care for quite a while,” said Roald Hazelhoff, director of the Southern Environmental Center. “The city of Homewood had acquired the property with the understanding that it be utilized as a community park, but they weren’t really in the business of creating a park in the middle of Edgewood.”
The Southern Environmental Center stepped in to help revitalize Sims Gardens as part of its EcoScape Program, which works to transform vacant properties into community resources. Revitalization started with giving the gardens shape, Hazelhoff said, including distinguishing a parking area, designating certain garden areas and removing weeds.
In phase one, the three lower lots were covered with native grasses, plants and heirloom roses. The upper garden has a brick patio, moss rock seating wall, bamboo fence and tool shed.
They made deliberate decisions on materials during phase one, including using a permeable material for the parking lot. Rainwater will soak into the parking lot and slowly seep into the bio-swale, which removes silt and pollution from surface runoff water.
“In Edgewood, there are some issues of flooding and things like that, and we did not want to contribute to that,” Hazelhoff said, noting the bio-swale also provides a means of irrigation for the gardens.
Phase two of improvements is now underway. This phase is to transform the gardens into a formal event space for small weddings, receptions or parties, which will serve as a means of fundraising as well.
“In the end, we’re going to need revenue to keep these gardens going,” Hazelhoff said. “There were some initial funds that allowed for plantings and for phase one to be completed. …Phase two is really to start looking at formalizing.”
In addition to formal events where the space can be rented and reserved, Hazelhoff said they plan to host neighborhood events as well. They have discussed holding cooking and mixology classes that will focus on utilizing garden herbs, for example.
“Of course herbs, for the over 21 crowd, are also very important ingredients for cocktails,” Hazelhoff said. “And that is probably what we would do in June for a fundraiser.”
Smaller events throughout May and June, such as acoustic musical sessions or small dinners, will be used to raise funds for pathway lighting, permanent event lighting, a pavilion and ultimately a new parking lot, Hazelhoff said.
Even though a few paid events will take place, Hazelhoff said the garden will continue to be an area that residents and community members can utilize for free. It will continue to be somewhere people can walk through, and there will be free workshops for adults and children on topics ranging from gardening, beneficial plants for birds and companion plants to ward off bugs.
As work on the garden continues, Hazelhoff said he hopes community members will get involved in work groups to weed and improve the garden and will come out to support some of their events.
“The main thing is people should see this as a community asset that provides lots of great services to the community, but also recognize that in order to provide these services, we hope people will join the Friends of Sims organization or come to some of these [paid] events so that we can continue to provide these services,” Hazelhoff said.
To stay up to date on future Sims Gardens events, visit Sims Gardens on Facebook or email the gardens at simsgardens@gmail.com.
Upcoming Sims Gardens Events
► Sims Gardens Preview Party
May 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: A cocktail event to kick off “We Love Homewood Day.” Donations to the Gardens will be accepted.
► Sims Gardens Annual Fundraiser
June 9, 6-8 p.m.: A summer-casual social. Tickets cost $50 and will be sold in advance. Hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer will be served.
