Community

‘As our garden grows, so do our relationships’ in Flanders

Southampton Councilwoman Christine Scalera planting herbs Saturday morning.
Southampton Councilwoman Christine Scalera planting herbs Saturday morning.

Local gardeners were busy at work planting herbs, vegetables, and even roses outside the David W. Crohan Community Center in Flanders Saturday morning.

The plantings marked the true start of a community garden in hamlet.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Christine Scalera first proposed the garden, and it was made possible by funding from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

The garden comprises eight raised bedding plots that will be cared for by seniors at the center, civic group members, volunteer firefighters, youth groups and town committee members.

“It is something for this community that will really wake things up,” said Steven Schreiber, vice president of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association, as he hammered fencing to support cucumbers that will be grown at the garden. “We had a nice turnout. I’m really excited about this.”

Tammy Olson of the Waters Edge Civic Association of Flanders said the start of the garden means more than simply fresh produce.

“As our garden grows, so do our relationships with our neighbors,” she explained. The group is sharing a plot with neighboring Bay View Pines Civic Association members.

Kate Pennacchia, 9, of Hampton Bays helping plant herbs and vegetables in the Southampton Senior Services sponsored box.
Kate Pennacchia, 9, of Hampton Bays helping plant herbs and vegetables in the Southampton Senior Services sponsored box.
Southampton seniors said they were excited to work with other community organizations at the garden.
Southampton seniors said they were excited to work with other community organizations at the garden.
Rich Naso and daughter Denise of the Flanders / Riverside / Northampton Citizen Advisory Committee planting herbs, peppers and other vegetables in the organization's sponsored box. (Credit: Carrie Miller)
Rich Naso and daughter Denise of the Flanders / Riverside / Northampton Citizen Advisory Committee planting herbs, peppers and other vegetables in the organization’s sponsored box. (Credit: Carrie Miller)