There is no shortage of places in Dixon to find fruit, including a variety of markets or farms. However, many Dixon people are unaware that there is a parking lot in the middle of North Washington Street where they can get a new brake for free.
For the past five years, the city of Dixon has had its own community garden, with lots of ripe fruit ripe throughout the year. It may also be expanding to produce more fruit in the near future.
Ashley Alvarez, managing secretary with the Department of Public Works, said the garden was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2016 and was housed in a house that had been evacuated due to repeated flooding.
“It was taken by storm surge,” she said.
A decision has been made to plant a community garden in Limuria’s nursery instead of the house. Public Works Director Lauren Kotaw said the trees provide a variety of stone fruits, including prunes and peppers, as well as fruits such as lemons. He said the garden has been protected by public works workers since its inception.
This year, the city posted two posts on its Facebook page about the garden. The most recent is to announce that it is ready to be harvested in June. In February, the city’s garden was posted to remind residents that more fruit trees could be planted in the future and that beds and compost bins could be added.
He said new trees could be planted in the fall or spring, depending on what the budget allows and what contributions are made. She wants to see more apple or pomegranate trees.
“It is good to have a lot of fruit,” she said.
Kotou’s social media response is low, but staff like the city to have such a garden.
“They appreciate the opportunity for citizens to return,” he said. When they give food, they see it as a direct response.
He said the quota has many benefits for the community’s gardens, including the ability to give free fruit to the community and allow people to choose and vote. She hopes to have a pruning clinic in the garden.
“We have had some discussions with organizations and we hope they will use the space to teach,” he said.
According to the city’s public information officer, Madeleine Henry, the garden could also be a meeting place.
“It provides a community space for neighbors to gather and meet if they have a common interest in gardening or live in the area and want to come and collect food,” he said.
“Any tree or green space is better than empty, and we need to reduce weeds,” he said.
“The trees also provide psychological health benefits to stormwater runoff and green space,” he said.
The community garden is located at 706 N. Washington St. Gob itors are advised to take only what they want, leave fruit on the trees for others to enjoy and inspect, and wash before eating the fruit.