Stonegarden on Jessamine Pocket Park

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Stonegarden was installed in 2013 led by Rebecca, Shannon and Corey. This park is located on Jessamine and Walsh Ave in St. Paul.  This was the first part to be installed in this project and was done on vacant land that was once a deralect vacant house and is now privatly owned.  The current owner has generously donated land for the project.  The park required quite a bit of soil work and re-building to keep water onsite and reduce erosion.  The garden is a mix of annuals, perennials and eddible plants with our signature "Pocket Park Pink" flag and remenant wall.  Many of the plants and materials come from Rebecca's home garden and the amazing giant wind chim was designed by Harry, one of our most hard working volunteers, and was entered at the Art in The Hollow event.  The park has taken a lot of volunteers, too many to name, and a lot of love.  Stop by and sit on one of the benches in the shade, pick some raspberries from the bramble patch, check out the art and sculptures, visit with a friend, have a meeting, read a book from the Little Free Library and enjoy the beauty that will surround you. The park has also hosted many events including National Night Out, 4th of July Fire Works, potlucks, Art Mobile Events and more.

Prairie On Payne Pocket Park

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Prairie on Payne was installed in 2014 season led by Crystal and Corey.   It's located on the Corner of Payne Ave and Minnehaha in St. Paul. This park is a very long and narrow strip of land that used to be an old bar of various names, once owned by Hamms Brewery.  To reflect it's past, the park has a series of benches to create a urban rest spot, and uses reclaimed brick and cobble stone from Hamms Brewery and the People's Park to create a "patio."  A path weaves through the plantings. The plants used are pollinator attracting species of native wildflowers to provide foraage and habitat for bees, butterflies and creates a beautiful gateway to the East Side.  Hope Academy students did the planting and hopefully will continue to collaborate with Pocket Parks on entironmental stewardship and service learning initiatives.  Additionally the East Side Art's Council will be installing artist designed art containers at the intersections and several other art elements will be incorporated into the plantings in the 2015 season.  Stay tuned!

Other Beautification Projects

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Tracy led the way on planting and installing planters on Payne Avenue to brighten the concrete jungle and add some life to the ave. 

 

2013 also brought about the installation of raised beds for veggie gardening at a low income senior housing development at on Edgerton Ave.  The following year we provided seeds and the residents have taken charge of the project and made quite a lovely "kitchen garden" with many interesting varieties and heirlooms.  We hope to continue to support their garden in the future.

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