We are now a community of many households near the corner of 6th Ave NE and and NE 60th St., Seattle. We are developing an orchard next to the freeway on WSDOT property for which SDOT is the custodian. We submitted a plan to SDOT and got permission to plant in the fall of 2010. We have two Chestnut Trees planted, six apple trees, a pear tree and hardy kiwi. We cleared the sidewalk and we are reducing the populations of English Ivy and Himalayan blackberries, and planted companion plants to attract bees, fix nitrogen, inhibit weeds, and add beauty. There is enough space to do more, including the possibility of adding a P-Patch in the future. We will garden organically and include permaculture principles. Already many neighbors are better acquainted. There have been discussions within this group about public safety so here is a space where other important neighborhood topics can be shared. In addition to growing food, there are other considerations to plan for including bird and bee habitat, walkways, and relaxation areas. We hope to deter crime by increasing activity in the area and connections among neighbors.
