As of 2022, we are in the process of finding a new location for our community garden. Please send your questions, comments or thoughts to chair@sustainableklamath.org.
The Mills Community Garden (MCG) began in 2010 through the efforts of Sustainable Klamath (SK), its members and valued friends. The garden was located in the Mills Addition neighborhood of Klamath Falls, at the corner of Richmond Street and Orchard Avenue. This was about two blocks west of Mills Elementary School. Klamath residents grew nutritious vegetables for themselves, often with the joyful participation of their children.
Construction and Facility
In addition to 44 plots, the garden included:
- A composting facility
- Shed for tools & supplies
- Picnic table and benches
- Space for manure and other amendments
- Greenhouse donated by Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services and a grant from USDA
History and Development
Victoria Schmitt graciously donated the use of this property to SK. In return, SK paid the yearly property taxes. SK paid the City of Klamath Falls for the water used by gardeners. The labor and many of the materials for constructing the garden were donated. Students from nearby Mills Elementary School often came to the Garden with their teachers to learn about gardening. Perri McDaniel, an OSU Master Gardener, designed the space.
The greenhouse took shape with the help of Dewey Moore and about a dozen youth from the Mills neighborhood. It had space for a few hundred potted plants and plant starts. The garden contained numerous fruit trees and a tool shed as a result of donations of money and labor.
Ralph Opp, Leslie Lowe and Allan Lowe working to create Composting Demo Site/ Recycling Area in the Garden in July, 2012.