"Garden of Love" Opens in San Bernardino

The “Celebrating A Day of Diversity” grand opening event commemorated the beginning of development for the Nicholson Community Garden of Love, named and designed by the community. The garden will be located next to the Nicholson Community Fruit Park in Nicholson Park at 2750 W. Second St. in San Bernardino, on the corner of Meridian Avenue and Second Street. The Incredible Edible Community Garden team of Mary Petit, Eleanor Torres and Serving Proud Industries led the project's development. The team shares their goals and missions for the community through the project: "to enrich our community by providing plots in a central gathering place for members to plant vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, and enjoy the fruits of our labor," as well as "to offer an opportunity for members to 'adopt' families in need, provide our community with sustainable produce, and foster 'green' programs, environmental awareness, healthy organic living and a sense of community." Dozens of volunteers assisted in the recent construction of 12 above-ground plots that will harvest cherries, limes, plums, avocados and other fruits and vegetables. After set up was complete, the group enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal prepared by donations given by residents and the community. The project was funded and supported by the USDA Forest Service, Terrace West Neighborhood Association, Serving Proud Industries, San Bernardino Veterans Affairs, City of San Bernardino, local volunteers and more.