LCG history:

Original research and layout was done by Jerome in summer 2004, before LaunchPad was formally organized. First anchor Jeromes' conscientious research showed that lead & other heavy metal levels were too high for veggies grown directly in the soil to be safe, so the plan focused on raised beds. John made a three-cornered deal to acquire our style-y trailer to facilitate moving in good soil for the beds.
Nora took the reigns after Jerome moved to Chicago to be with his son. During Nora's tenure, many raised boxes were built, free soil & compost were found and brought in, our first crop came to fruition.
After Nora retired the anchorship to tend to her ailing mother in North Carolina, the garden received some nice plant donations but mostly lay fallow through the dry season of 2005 until Anthony came along.
Anthony has been very comitted and generous, supporting the garden with material donations and respectable chunks of his own money to make sure the garden is a success.
Kelly has made a dedicated website (linked in main section) and Camille has written a grant proposal.
Co-anchor since February 06, Kait has brought new energy to the garden, and has overseen its rapid expansion.

LaunchPad Community Garden

LaunchPad's oldest SAWG (semi-Autonomous Working Group) has the largest square-footage devoted to its use, has its own mural dedicated to it, and will soon have a regular work-day.

Several plans are currently being discussed, including a possible new greenhouse.

The Community Garden co-anchor, Kait, can be reached by e-mail at: communitygarden@torchery.org

Thanks to enterprising new garden assistant Kelly, the Community Garden now also has its own dedicated  website!

(above) An early photo taken of the space, trailer, mural and first few raised beds in process of becoming the Community Garden.

(below) The LaunchPad Community Garden Mural was laid out by Javaugn Fernanders and filled in primarily by neighborhood kids at the LaunchPad block party in October 2004.