It’s been almost three years since Eden Reframed, an ecological and community art project, opened at the Burton Adventure Recreation Center (“Eco-art will tell stories of farmers and gardeners,” Oct. 5, 2010).

In that time, we’ve had lovely events to celebrate the changing of the seasons on the equinoxes and solstices, and people have joined me at weeding and work parties. Many others have gleaned the harvest of the “food forest” that includes culinary and medicinal herbs, kale, berries and other edibles. A part of the garden demonstrates the remediation of soil through plants and mushrooms and hopes to inspire visitors with the possibility of restoring the damage that shortsightedness and greed have done to our planet.

In the center of the garden is a story “hive” where the stories of gardeners and farmers are written down and available to read. They were asked the question: “What inspires you to plant seeds in this time of ecological crisis?” The garden is a lovely place to meditate and read, picnic, contribute your own story to the archive, play music and meet with friends.

But a real challenge faces Eden Reframed.  Despite the over $40K funds spent on this permaculture-designed project, the future of Eden Reframed looks uncertain.  Unless local stakeholders can make the time to help with maintaining the project, mostly pulling out grass and fence repair, this garden will become a pleasant memory.  So I am making a last ditch effort to recruit folks who want this sweet piece of liberated public land to sustain itself.

Please come to the garden on June 21 (our summer solstice celebration) from noon to 3 p.m. to share conversation about how this project can thrive for many years to come.  Bring your gardening gloves and some snacks, and we will celebrate the summer’s arrival together.

— Beverly Naidus