The Midfield-Holt Community Garden officially expanded its capacity to serve local families last week with the completion of a new pavilion and storage shed. Community leaders, residents, and partners gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this important milestone.
“This garden represents more than just a beautiful green space. It stands for collaboration. It stands for sustainability and the power of our community,” said Midfield Mayor Gary Richardson during the ceremony.
“What began as an idea planted like a seed has grown into something real, something vibrant, and something that will certainly nourish not just our tables, but our relationships.”
A Thriving Community Space
The garden sits near the Midfield Fire Station and along the High Ore Line Trail that connects Midfield to Red Mountain Park. The celebration highlighted how the garden has already become a vital community resource.
Master Gardener Dorothy Leonard emphasized the garden’s unique position: “There are community gardens popping up all over Birmingham, but we’re going to be the trendsetters. We are on this very popular walking trail. People stop by and pick flowers. People come by and pick cucumbers and cabbage. You know, we’re just in a great location.”
The completed pavilion offers a shaded gathering place where community members can learn together, while the storage shed ensures that gardening tools and supplies remain readily available for ongoing cultivation and education. These facilities were made possible through partnerships with Cawaco RC&D, the Jefferson County Master Gardeners Association, the City of Midfield, and dedicated volunteers.
Growing More Than Vegetables
The garden features not only vegetable plots but also the beginnings of a 20-tree orchard that will provide fruit for community members in the coming years. “In a few years, when you’re walking by, come pick a plum, or a piece of fruit, and enjoy yourself on your way,” Leonard shared with attendees.
The garden serves as a model for sustainable community agriculture. Two rain barrels from the Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual Rain Barrel Workshop, an event sponsored by Cawaco RC&D, now support the garden’s water conservation efforts.
At the celebration, Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Bronson Lubreski spoke about the importance of the garden’s rain collection system and drip irrigation, explaining how natural rainfall provides essential nutrients to help plants thrive.
Community Collaboration in Action
The success of the project demonstrates the power of collaboration between multiple partners. “This would not have been possible if it were not for the cooperation of the mayor, the city council, the fire department, and the street and sanitation department. We all worked together to make this happen,” noted Leonard.
Cawaco RC&D’s Patti Pennington praised the community leadership that made the project possible: “This woman has got a magic touch. She got this beautiful space. She Inspires people, she motivates people, she gets people interested in things, and she’s got the volunteers helping her.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together Jefferson County Master Gardeners Association members, Cawaco RC&D representatives, local elected officials, and community members to celebrate this achievement.
Looking Forward
Mayor Richardson by emphasized the garden’s broader mission: “Let’s make this garden a place that grows food, yes, but also connection, joy, and community spirit.”
Cawaco RC&D is proud to support educational and community development projects like this throughout Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties. Special thanks to our partners Sen. Merika Coleman, Rep. Patrick Sellers, Rep. Travis Hendrix and for their partnership in making this project possible.
The Midfield Community Garden showcases how targeted investments in community infrastructure create lasting positive change for families across the region.
Read more about the project here:
