Donated in the memory of Felicia A. Cutler by her husband, the Cutler Garden has four acres producing food for Tucson’s hungry. I have been volunteering and learning at this charity garden for over a year. Located near River and Dodge, the garden was established in 2010 and there are 2 professional hoop houses, large open-air gardens including a children’s demonstration garden, chickens and bees. Largely managed by hand, the food produced here is donated to charities including Casa Maria and Handmaker. Casa Maria provides many services to the Tucson needy and daily visitors number in the hundreds. Items donated by the Felicia A. Cutler Garden are put into soups, sandwiches and grocery bags for those needing help.
Plants at the Felicia Cutler Garden are managed naturally; no artificial fertilizers are used. Gardens are managed using bio-intensive techniques and non-GMO seeds. Companion planting for pest control is used and workers tend to the soil as much as the plants themselves to ensure bountiful harvests now and in the future. Produce is delicious and items change seasonally. Some of the things grown include herbs, lettuces, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, beans, kale, okra, sunchokes, melons and native squash. Chickens provide dozens of eggs. Flowers are grown amidst the vegetables too and they are often donated to Handmaker, a home for the elderly to brighten their day.
Donations of materials and equipment are welcome as are volunteers. Volunteers do not need prior experience but a regular donation of time is expected. Volunteer days are announced that welcome individuals and groups into the Garden to volunteer for one day to lend a hand and make an impact. Individual group volunteer days can be arranged too. Bring your water, hat and gloves!
The Felicia A. Cutler Garden hopes to expand their reach with a goal of consistently providing food to three soup kitchens in Tucson and full stomachs for everyone with delicious naturally grown produce. If you or your organization would like to volunteer or donate, contact Mary Annsley at 520-784-1000 or Reed Porter at 520-419-2886.