A sweet collaboration has blossomed in Statesboro as Pittman Park United Methodist Church and the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern have partnered to establish a new persimmon orchard, located along Fair Road between the two organizations.
On one side of Fair Road sits Pittman Park United Methodist Church, and on the other side, about a block offset, is the Georgia Southern Botanic Garden. Now, between the two, on the edge of Pittman Park’s property, there is a small orchard of persimmon trees. The two organizations worked together to plant the orchard for the benefit of the Statesboro community.
The orchard is made up of seven Saijo persimmon trees which will reach 15-25’ tall at full maturity. The trees were provided by the Botanic Garden and planted by the Pittman Park Green Team, which will care for the seedlings.
Avery Hopkins helps plant seven persimmon trees at the corner of Fair Road and Gentilly Drive.
Megan Hopkins is the Chair of the Green Team and says, “This project came together really nicely. We just started thinking about how to best use our property, then the Botanic Garden offered us these trees, and they gave us advice about where to plant them.”
Josh Jones is the arborist at the Botanic Garden. He says, “The sustainable site chosen is moist, well drained with plenty of sun. The trees should grow well and provide for the community soon.”
Volunteers from Pittman Park UMC plant seven persimmon trees at the corner of Fair Road and Gentilly Drive.
The trees will naturally regulate the immediate climate and manage area stormwater as they grow, and Pittman Park will ensure their fruit is used to benefit the community. Persimmons are a sweet fruit that can be eaten fresh, canned or dried. They can be used in jellies, drinks, pies, curries, and puddings.
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