Asheville, North Carolina, is renowned for its vibrant food scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries. But hidden within this culinary haven lies a unique and often overlooked treasure: the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park. This community food forest, the oldest of its kind on the East Coast, offers a different perspective on Asheville Food, one rooted in community, sustainability, and the bounty of nature.
Established in 1997, the park’s story began with City Seeds, a non-profit founded by two Appalachian State University graduates who envisioned a permaculture project for Asheville. They collaborated with the Asheville Parks and Recreation department, engaging the public in design charrettes to shape the edible park. It’s remarkable to think that while Asheville’s food scene was evolving, this edible park was quietly taking root, offering a different kind of food experience. Originally known as “The Bountiful Cities Project,” the park was later renamed the George Washington Carver Edible Park in 2000, thanks to the advocacy of Gloria Free, a founding board member of City Seeds. This name honors the legacy of George Washington Carver, an agricultural scientist who championed sustainable farming and the use of nature’s resources.
The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park was designed with multiple vegetation layers, mimicking a natural forest ecosystem. Today, visitors can wander through a canopy of fruit and nut trees, with ground cover plants enriching the soil below. Along the park’s walkways, you’ll discover hardy kiwi, fig trees, elderberry, strawberries, and other edible plants, showcasing the diversity of Asheville food that can be grown locally. The park serves as a living example of succession planting, demonstrating how a landscape can evolve over time, offering different yields and experiences as it matures. It contrasts denser, shadier areas resembling mature forests with sunnier edges teeming with a variety of species, reflecting the diverse Asheville food ecosystem.
The park’s evolution is captured in historical photos, showcasing its transformation from a bare site to a thriving food forest. These images reveal the community effort involved in building walkways, establishing plantings, and creating this unique Asheville food space.
For those seeking a deeper connection to Asheville food and the local community, the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park is a must-visit. It’s a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and a reminder that exploring Asheville’s food scene goes beyond restaurants – it includes discovering hidden gems like this edible park. If you’re interested in community food forests or simply want to experience a unique aspect of Asheville, explore this urban oasis and taste the fruits (and nuts and berries) of community labor.
