It takes a lot of digging, drilling, sweating and determination to take an overgrown, sandy plot of land in Destin and form it into a garden; but that is just what a group of residents have been working towards.
For nearly a year, a group of volunteers have been toiling away to transform a 250 by 60-foot lot behind the American Legion into a place of self-sustainability and friendship called the Main Street Community Garden.
“At this point we have brought in electricity to a new meter box, drilled a 50-foot water well, built nine boxes for raised beds, and are in the process of building retaining walls to level out the garden,” said Ron Sandstead, who is overseeing the project. “We anticipate having about 25 beds by summer.”
So far only four of the raised beds are spoken for, but Sandstead said there is still a lot to be done before the garden is ready for planting.
“We are currently working on the retaining wall, we’ve got 60 feet total which is about mid-way, and I’m establishing the parameters with the salvaged wood,” said Sandstead. “Once those are established, a five foot path will be put in all the way around the raised beds.”
Sandstead also explained that a drip irrigation system needs to be installed and the remaining 16 raised beds need to be built and anchored. But he says those that have been donating their time to the garden project will of course get first dibs on planting.
“There are some people that have given significant time to helping with this,” he said. “It’s been a struggle to get it cleared a prepared to build a garden, but for me it’s I’m it’s a labor of love, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to participate in.”
Hopeful that this project will bring unity and camaraderie, Sandstead says this will be his legacy for future generations.
“Community gardens are special for the community,” he said. “They don’t just provide food for families but they are a place for people to get to know each other and become friends. I really think it’s going to be something that the neighborhood can be proud of and that Destin can be proud of.”
To find out more about the Main Street Community Garden visit www.facebook.com/mainstreetcommunitygarden or visit the physical site at 311 Main Street in Destin.