Project Bloom is our largest project.  We will be giving away approximately 1,000 plants in individual containers to be transplanted in urban beds and in assembled pots for container gardening.  All plants will be edible.  The plants will include root vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, medicinals, and edible flowers.  In early May, we will hold an event at which people will be invited to create, collect, and learn about urban bed and container gardening.

 

This year, we are focusing on a community within North Little Rock’s Historic Argenta neighborhood.  Most residents of this neighborhood are long-term home owners with diverse backgrounds, living on small urban plots.  These residents are eager to learn more about urban farming and are ready to make changes that are both healthy and beautiful to improve their lives and their community.  The specific area is Melrose Circle and the entries into Melrose Circle, which included the 200 & 300 blocks of 8th Street and the 700 & 800 blocks of Willow Street (businesses and other non-profits are not eligible).

 

Project Bloom will provide materials, including plants (vegetables and edible flowers) for garden beds and containers, containers, soil, and stakes, and education on urban farming and plant care.  Volunteers will provide labor, tools, and equipment.  Trained horticulturalists and gardeners will provide education about care and nutritional value.

 

Sponsors

 

We have had an overwhelming response for support from residents, groups, and businesses.  Our list of donors and sponsors grows by the day.  We want to give special thanks and recognition to these sponsors.

 

American Composting

Blue and You Foundation

BJ Plants and Produce

First Presbyterian Church, North Little Rock

Fuller Hardware

HDMS, Architects & Interior Designers

The Good Earth Garden Center

Home Depot, North Little Rock

Home Depot, Little Rock

Kroger, North Little Rock

Kroger, Maumelle

Kroger, Chenal

Maison Terre Natural Products

Natural State Horticare

Purple Thumb Construction (Aaron & Teddy Stockton)

River Valley Horticultural Products, Inc.

Tractor Supply Co., North Little Rock

Westrock Coffee Company

Whit Davis Lumber Plus

 

Staff

 

Cereus Solutions Director, Dr. Sarah Brown

Garden Project Manager, Karl Heinbockel

Chef, Xavier Camp

 

For more information about this project contact Sarah Brown at 501-516-1464.  Those wishing to know if they qualify for plants and containers should also call Sarah.