The Chandler Community Garden is a Homegrown Movement Rooted in Community

The Chandler Community Garden: A Homegrown Movement Rooted in Community

When Kempers Market closed in 2022, residents of Chandler, Indiana, were left without a place to buy even a single fresh vegetable in town. They had to travel to nearby Boonville or Newburgh to get produce. For Chandler resident Brittany Daugherty, it was the spark that planted a much bigger idea.

“I live to garden,” Brittany told me. “And when Kempers shut down, I thought, why not try something for everyone?” She posted the idea for a community garden in the Chandler Community Facebook group, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Soon after, she took the concept to the town board, and it was officially approved.

Today, the Chandler Community Garden is a thriving 1,250-square-foot space powered entirely by donations and volunteers. Even people like me who have a black thumb can come and contribute!

It’s truly a space built by and for the people, even though it sits on town property. “It’s not governed by the city,” Lisa Powers says. “But it belongs to all of us.”

Growing Support, One Gift at a Time

Local support has been key from the beginning. Tractor Supply has played a major role, donating fencing, T-posts, and supplies. Snow's Landscaping gave over 200 plants for a community plant giveaway in late May as a donation fundraiser. The Lions Club, local Girl Scout and 4H groups, and lots of individuals have all worked hard to make the garden a success.

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Mark Your Calendar: Mother’s Day Planting Day

The next big step for the garden is Planting Day, set for Mother’s Day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community members are invited to come help plant non-spicy peppers, tomatoes, okra, beans, cucumbers, and berry bushes. There's even open space for others to contribute something special. In the past, community members have planted watermelons and gourds. This year, a Girl Scout troupe is putting in a native pollinator garden. There's plenty of space, so feel free to bring something fun for everyone to enjoy.

What Makes It Special

Lisa and Brittany told me the garden has a few extra special touches.

No chemicals are used, and all gardening follows clean, organic practices. Last year, they even added a drive-up herb garden for easy access. Large pots full of herbs were placed outside the garden so people could pull up, pick a sprig, and go.

The Chandler Community Garden also features a “Harvest Table” built by a volunteer, where fresh produce is placed after it's picked. Brittany said she updates the garden’s Facebook page when new items are available. It’s an open invitation for anyone to stop by and take produce, no need to volunteer or even live in the community. It’s truly open to all. They also told me that other local gardeners with a surplus can bring their extras to the garden for distribution to the community.

How to get Involved

The garden has grown more than produce, it’s grown friendships. “If it wasn't for this garden,” Brittany shares, “I wouldn't have made such a great friend.”

To volunteer or donate, message The Chandler Community Garden on Facebook. The ladies told me that they can use all kinds of talents. They have a need for artists to help decorate the space, handy folks who can help build some projects, and of course, those who don't mind the tedious task of weeding and watering plants. The garden is located at the Chandler Community Center on 401 E. Washington St. in Chandler, IN.

Both children and adults are welcome to come help. Because in this town, it’s not just a garden, it’s a movement.