The Catalyst Park Demonstration Garden was created in 2009 in a collaboration between Shelton Kiwanis, WSU Mason County Master Gardeners, and the City of Shelton. Mary Ann Murray & B.J. Beatty, a former Master Gardener, donated the acre of land.
The brush-covered city lot has been transformed into 12,000 square feet of demonstration garden which includes a food bank and a learning garden; and 24 raised community garden beds available to community members as a part of a hands-on gardening education program. The food bank garden donates an average of 2,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious vegetables to our local Saints’ Pantry Food Bank on 2nd St to help fight food insecurity in our community.
The garden is managed and worked by Master Gardener volunteers. All improvements; the garden beds, greenhouse, sheds, a drip line irrigation system, and fencing were completed by volunteers with funds raised in our community. Mark Ziegler, Director, along with the City of Shelton Parks and Recreation, provided the gravel roadway, installed picnic table and a gate at one end. They also maintain brush and disposal, mow and deliver mulch from city trimmings.
All operating costs: seeds, water, soil, mulches and tools are covered by the Master Gardeners Foundation of Mason County fund raising activities and donations from local clubs and individuals. Mason County Master Gardener’s supply the community gardeners with the educational tools, soil and water. In keeping with the mission of the Master Gardener Program, during the growing season, monthly educational workshops held in the garden teach growing techniques and provide the opportunity to share experiences with each other.
Catalyst also enhances the neighborhood as a lovely green space. Come visit Catalyst Garden at 8th and Harvard, Shelton, WA. The garden is accessible to the public by reservation only.
Community Garden Bed Flyer 2023
2023 Catalyst Park Community Garden Application
To begin preparing your garden for planting, visit this WSU site for information on growing vegetable gardens.
Sources include:
Catalyst http://sheltonkiwanis.weebly.com/catalyst-park-garden.html
