Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments broke ground on its 23rd community garden on Sept. 12, the second location for Johnson City residents, as volunteers came together to begin the raised bed construction through United Way’s Day of Caring initiative.
For Johan Jelsma, the community garden program manager, seeing the volunteers was “very heartwarming” and a direct reflection of the VINES mission.
The garden, located on Floral Avenue, will start with 14 raised beds with the potential to expand. Garden plots can be rented for a $30 yearly fee, which is offered on a sliding scale based on income.
The site at 179 Floral Ave. was acquired from Broome County Land Bank after a demolition project. Preparation of the site began on Sept. 7 with ground leveling, asphalt milling and excavating.
Since the site sits on a slope, a terrace may be built depending on the demand for garden beds. Water supply is an important component needed for a thriving garden. By the spring, VINES anticipates having the water meter installed, just in time for the season.
On Aug. 26, VINES held a general interest meeting to present the idea of the Floral Avenue community garden. Jelsma said it was “the largest” turnout, with more than 20 people attending. Based off the initial interest, Jelsma believes spots will fill up quickly, but there are spots available at VINES’ Sherman Street location.
VINES: ‘It’s all community’
Binghamton University Class of 2028 student John Crowe came out to volunteer. Working with VINES checked all the boxes for Crowe to be the best version of himself while making the world a better place.
“Seeing people come out here and allowing people who don’t have the privilege of table food,” Crowe said, “that is something that I wholeheartedly agree with and support.”
Over the years Jelsma has watched grocery stores leave communities and create food deserts, an issue he believes is “only growing.” In the Floral Avenue section of Johnson City, there are no major grocery stores or storefronts to purchase fresh produce, he said, so the new community garden is an outlet for residents to simply step outside and grab fresh food.
Rocky Porzio, the volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, was on site with seven of his crew members to share construction expertise.
“It’s all community,” said Porzio. “We think what VINES does here is great work for the neighborhoods, so we are happy to help them.”
How to apply for VINES garden
The Floral Avenue Community Garden will begin accepting applications on a rolling basis from members toward the end of February and the beginning of March for the spring 2026 season.
Applications can be found at vinesgardens.org.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at kcgrant@gannett.com.
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