I didn’t expect to tick some items off my grocery list in the backyard of East Quad on a Tuesday afternoon. From rosemary to butternut squash, the East Quad Garden truly had everything I needed to whip up a warm meal.
This year, the garden is the fruit of Ray Wetzel’s (lecturer in RC Visual Arts) labor this past spring, where he planted the seeds to create a blooming station for students and faculty alike. Mike Zhai, a lecturer in the RC, was asked to be the custodian to look after the crops throughout the year. While the faculty come to snip off herbs here and there, RC students seldom visit, Mike said.
I had the opportunity to visit the garden on two occasions: firstly with Mike, then Ray. A wonderful surprise awaited me both times– I saw a small paradise tucked away by East University Avenue. Mike introduced the various plants to me: vibrant pops of marigolds, thyme, Thai basil, lemon thyme, kale, sweet potatoes, butternut squash with tooth marks of hungry squirrels, cherry tomatoes, tomatoes… the list went on and on.
Ray prepared a list of notable people who contributed to the development of the garden throughout its history. With a twinkle in his eye, he spoke of Professor Emerita Virginia Murphy, who was the founder and director of the garden, Jeremy Moghtader, Director of the Campus Farm, which donated some seeds for the East Quad Garden, and Jeff Evans, Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus.
Some efforts were made to encourage student engagement with the garden. We saw the establishment of the Garden Forum, student volunteer hours every Tuesday at 10 AM, where you might see Mike in the fall tending to the crops, and the occasional announcement in Taranbir’s weekly newsletter. RAs are also welcome to host an event in conjunction with the East Quad garden each fall semester, where students would harvest ingredients and cook pasta in the East Quad kitchen.
Nonetheless, Mike’s aims to increase student interaction with the garden. Any remaining plants by the end of the fall season will be composted, instead of being used in a delicious dish.
My souvenirs from the East Quad garden included a bell pepper, chives (which I needed but was too lazy to purchase), rosemary, and some tomatoes. I almost wish I could selfishly keep the garden a secret, but you’ll know where to find me now each fall semester.
