Aug 17, 2016 4 min read

Advanced planning continues on the Donora Community Garden (DCG) at 2nd Street and McKean Avenue. Temporary signage is in place on the site, and surveying, grading and site work is planned for this summer. Some monetary and material donations have already been received, including one from Washington County Commissioner Harlan Shober, an early supporter of DCG. A joint project of Donora Borough, Washington County Master Gardeners and the Mon Valley NAACP, the DCG is planned to be a model Community Garden for Washington County and to serve as an example for other towns and communities in the Valley wanting to establish their own gardens. 

The primary function of the DCG is gardening. It is not a park, although there is some sitting area in the plan to function both as a resting place for the weary gardener or for neighborhood residents to sit and chat. The DCG will feature 25-30 cedar raised beds, approximately 4’x8′ in size. Some beds at the McKean Avenue end will be specifically designed as handicapped accessible, allowing those in wheelchairs or walkers easy access to a bed. Space for an educational center where instructional classes can be held by Master Gardeners is also planned.

Another garden feature is a bioswale running along 2nd Street. The bioswale, a landscape element with trees, plants and vegetation, is designed to catch surface runoff water and pollutants before they can enter the Borough’s storm sewer or the river. Such a bioswale, a type of rain garden, is not designed to be a water garden or a wetland garden. In fact, it is almost the opposite. It is designed so that all water caught by the basin will infiltrate into the soil in 48 hours or less to prevent mosquito development. The plants chosen are typically tough natives that can tolerate occasional inundation and the dry spells in between. There is an anticipated donation of the stone for the wall along 2nd Street, part of the bioswale, from Keystone Garden Wall in Minnesota.

Community gardens are designed as an activity for people of all ages, abilities and knowledge of gardening to enjoy. The function of the DCG is not only to provide healthy activity and fresh vegetables to those who are participating – it is also to beautify the area along McKean Avenue and to foster a sense of community among those who are involved in the DCG. The DCG garden is a way for those in the community to meet each other, share and exchange what they grow and to help each other have a successful gardening experience. For those who are concerned that they don’t have the tools, money or skills for gardening, the DCG is the perfect place to try it out.

The Washington County Master Gardeners will be holding hands-on “how-to” classes to help new gardeners get started. They will be receiving donations of plants, seeds, tools, dirt, fertilizers and other needed materials to help get everyone off to a good start. Master Gardeners will remain available to offer instruction and guidance, answer questions and continue to have gardening seminars to provide ongoing support for the DCG.

DCG is actively looking for individuals, families, friends, church groups, community organizations and associations, school groups, etc., who are interested in learning more about the DCG. All are welcome to join. If you would like a Master Gardener to speak to your group about the DCG, or want more information on how to become involved, contact Laura Delach at lkd10@psu.edu, Donora Borough at 724-379-6600 or donoraboro@verizon.net, or Ken Yonek at 724-941-4215 or kennethyonek@yahoo.com.

Have a question? In Washington County, call the Master Gardeners office at 724 228-6881. Follow us on Facebook. Also consult the Penn State Extension website at http://extension.psu.edu for additional information.