The Davenport Community Garden in New Haven’s Hill neighborhood is facing a severe water crisis, with its spigot remaining dry for the first time in over 20 years. Despite the efforts of dozens of dedicated neighbors, who have been hauling heavy five-gallon jugs and devising a pumping system, the garden’s future bounty of vegetables and flowers is at risk of dying of thirst.

A Community Effort

The garden, which has become a community resource and outdoor oasis, has been supported by the local Fire Department, which has delivered 250 gallons of water over the last three weeks. However, the garden’s volunteer coordinator, Faith Bailey, and Hill Alder Angel Hubbard have been working tirelessly to find a more permanent solution to the water problem.

Hubbard, who has been purchasing water jugs out of her own pocket, expressed frustration with the city’s response, stating that there is not enough urgency to address the issue. Bailey, who has been leading the efforts to secure grants and improve the garden, emphasized the importance of the garden to the community, not just for its produce, but also as a space for socializing and community gatherings.

A Bigger Vision

As the city convenes meetings to devise a new arrangement for the garden, Hubbard envisions a future model of city support that prioritizes the needs of the community. The garden, which has been a place of community meetings and gatherings, has also been a hub for health and wellness initiatives, with plans for outdoor yoga classes and drum circles.

For now, the community is rallying around the garden, with neighbors pitching in to help with water jugs, labor, and hydraulic innovations. As one regular volunteer, Mark Debrady, noted, the garden is not just about growing food, but also about building connections and community.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.