The Coolest Place In Columbia You Haven't Seen If You Like Local, Local Food & Tiny, Tiny Farms

Awesome gardens -- even before spring truly arrives

There is a garden in the center of the 'burbs that is the coolest place that I have stumbled on in Columbia.

If you drive from I-95 past the Target on Rte 175, look to the right at the open space near the high tension power lines.  You'll see gardens.  I had glimpsed them for years, and I finally hunted them down with the help of Google maps.

Right across from Long Reach High School is the entrance to a community garden where people grow vegetables all year round.

If you like gardens, the plots are worth looking.  Dozens of plots.  All fenced.  Some beautifully filled with black, dark soil in foot-high rows.  This is a place where people grow some awesome food.

I walked one afternoon in late February, and I was amazed at just the dirt and winter onions.  By now, the farmers are digging in for spring.  I loved the look of the place.  Each rectangle is someone's individual dream, their way of planting, their choice of vegetables, their level of order or chaos.  I assume it's a blast on a summer Saturday when all the gardeners arrive.

It turns out that Howard County has at least four community gardens, one in Woodstock and three in Columbia.  Check out the community garden Web site for information about how to get on the waiting list.

Or just go for a walk.  Remember you're a guest.  You can't actually enter a plot.  You certainly can't harvest anything.  But it's an inspiration for anyone who has a little patch on their own.  Check out how experienced people make the most of their tiny farm.

If you visit, check out the compost heap.  I can recommend how to start a little compost heap.  But this looks like a professional arrangement.  I'd love to hear from anyone who gardens at one of the community spaces.  What's the vibe?  Who keeps the place in order?