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High Point extension agent reports 53 community and school gardens, announces microgrants and events
Summary
Crystal Mercer reported 2024 year-end results for community and school gardens in High Point: 53 gardens counted (including 20 school gardens), microgrants awarded, $759.94 in program support at a city-discounted rate (fair-market comparison $2,249.20), and upcoming Seeds to Share event Feb. 8 at the High Point Public Library.
Crystal Mercer, the community and school gardens Extension agent, delivered the High Point 2024 year-end report to the council, detailing program growth, microgrants, technical assistance and upcoming events for community and school garden leaders.
Mercer said the city-supported gardening program finished the year with 53 community and school gardens in High Point: seven neighborhood gardens, 15 community-organization gardens, six urban agriculture sites, 20 school gardens and five youth gardens. She reported one school garden (High Point Central) was put on pause because of unresolved water access issues.
Mercer outlined that six City of High Point Community Garden Assistance Program grants were awarded in 2024; the transcript lists the total support as $759.94 with a stated fair-market value of $2,249.20. A city staff member clarified that the program obtains a discounted city rate for materials, and the fair-market comparison reflects the higher retail cost if a garden purchased materials without the city discount.
Mercer described program highlights including Master Gardener microgrants to three High Point schools (Florence, Shady Brook and Union Hill), a three-season vegetable-gardening class series at the High Point Public Library, a senior-focused Gardens Under Glass terrarium event and a free plant giveaway planned for June. She also announced the Seeds to Share event designed for community and school garden leaders will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the High Point Public Library (the session is designed for community and school garden leaders and volunteers).
Mercer closed by naming winners of the High Point Community Garden Contest: Best overall community garden — Bountiful Harvest; Best use of sustainable materials — Southside Community Garden; Best new community garden of 2024 — Bridal Health Project.
Council members asked clarifying questions about quantities of mulch, compost and topsoil, and Mercer and staff agreed to re-check and correct any packet math errors. The council thanked Mercer for the report; no formal action was taken.
