By Kathy Wachter

When the hot and humid temperatures of June, July and August begin to cool in the month of September, most folks think of fall as the time for renewing rivalries with the variety of local high school, community and college athletics programs. 

Fall is also another time and season for those who like to celebrate the season with pumpkins, beets, carrots, greens, sweet potatoes or divide and share bulbs and perennials that have outgrown their space. The Oxford Community Garden is a volunteer community of folks that have an interest in not only knowing where and what they are consuming comes from, but also the opportunity to attract beneficial pollinators that help support what grows in the garden. 

This time of year is the perfect time to transplant spring bulbs and flowers, giving them the opportunity to develop a root system before the cold weather of winter sets in. It also is a time to plant a fall season crop of veggies and ornamentals, which if mulched can actually grow the entire winter season.

The Oxford Community Garden can give you the chance to grow your own or work with the community harvest plots that have produce donated to the Pantry or other organizations around Oxford. Oxford has a wonderful fall season that can produce a variety of fall vegetables before the cold depths of winter sets in.

And as seasons go, perennial flowers and bulbs often grow and multiply as well. This often necessitates moving and rearranging spaces to allow for adequate air, water and growth. What now might be extras and the lack of space to transplant in your own garden, presents an opportunity to ‘pass along’ these extras to others.

If you might find yourself in such a situation (seeds, plants or just an interest and would like to see the area — and maybe take home a seed/plant or two) we at the Oxford Community Garden Association (on the corner of Bramlett and University Avenue — next to the Pavilion, are inviting you to come visit us on Saturday, starting around 11 a.m. to see the garden. If you have extra seeds or plants that you would like to share or if you would just like to look around and see the variety, join us. You are welcome to come to our fall plant and seed swap. 

We as volunteer members, plot holders, who like to learn by trial and error what grows and doesn’t. Making friends and taste interesting looking veggies and fruits, while fighting Bermuda grass — and getting some fresh air, flexibility, balance and shaping (gym not necessary) — one can sit under the arbor and watch the coral honeysuckle grow and the thyme at your feet. It is fun to share and learn with others not only your experience, but also to grow and share with others as well.

So we look forward to seeing you (with or without seeds and plants/bulbs) on Saturday. We may even have a plot or two available or you may (if so inspired) want one in the future (we can keep you a list as well) and you may also sign-up for our monthly newsletter of ‘goings on’ around the garden along with announcements for activities and events we hold periodically throughout the year.

If you would like information, show up Saturday or email oxfordcga@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you. Happy fall garden possibilities!

Kathy Wachter is a member of the Community Garden Assocation can be reached by email at
kwachter@bus.olemiss.edu.