You may not know this, but tucked behind the Johns Hopkins at Eastern building is a lovely, green oasis. It’s a thriving community garden called “The Blue Jay’s Perch.” Every spring and summer, the garden comes alive with a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. As you walk around the garden, you’ll see sunflowers, marigolds, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers of every color, and flowering fruit trees. You’ll also see raised beds, a fully-stocked tool shed, and an impressive irrigation system.
Anyone who is affiliated with the university (including faculty, students, and staff) is welcome to participate! You have two options:
- There are 4’ x 8’ plots available to groups of Hopkins students or employees. You can garden in this area all season and enjoy the fruits and vegetables that you grow. You will also be asked to pair up with a group of gardeners from the local community who will be gardening in an adjoining plot. You be asked to support and assist each other in your efforts. If you’re interested in this option, the Blue Jay Perch committee will provide you with contact information for neighborhood groups who would like to participate.
- There is also a “communal gardening area” for more casual gardeners. You can stop by on one of the regularly scheduled volunteer workdays and do some gardening with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Everyone who helps to garden this area will get to share in the bounty! Some produce will be donated to local charitable organizations.
If you’d like to get involved, send an email to jhucommgarden@gmail.com. And please visit the Blue Jay Perch website at: http://jhucommunitygarden.wordpress.com/
