The idea of the Fairhaven Community Garden first blossomed in the late 1980’s as the neighborhood—spearheaded by John Blethen and Paul Schissler—organized, rallied and convinced City officials to designate the surplus lots located at 10th & Wilson as a new City of Bellingham community garden. Bill Trunkey, who owned the lots along the eastern ravine edge of Padden Creek adjacent to the garden site, graciously donated his lots to the City as an extension of the Larrabee Avenue greenbelt and buffer. The garden had wide-spread support, even the Northwest Cascades Audubon Society wrote a letter in support of the garden, in part because of the year-round flock of resident gold-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia atricapilla) which resided in the area. There were two types of land open space usages agreed to: One was to keep the Community Garden spaces in the former residential lots, and the second was to keep the Wilson Ave right of way maintained as lawn (volleyball court) and public open space.

To make it happen, Fairhaven Neighbors secured a $5,000 federal neighborhood initiatives grant which covered most materials costs. Callen Construction, with support from the Building Industry Association, cleared the blackberries, graded the site and dug a perimeter drain for drainage and water systems; neighbors pitched in and installed the drainage and irrigation water system and prepared the plots and walkways. The City of Bellingham donated the last 100 yards of compost for the top dressing, and the first plots were planted by gardeners in 1992.

Neighbors worked together to build the beautiful garden shed designed by Bob Ross (inspired by fire look-out stations), and Gordon Plume donated jacket boards from the Bill Gates house. Sod was laid on the Wilson Ave right of way and grass seed planted at the south end of the garden space, as public areas to be enjoyed by gardeners, neighbors and visitors alike. Neighbors also planted fruit trees on the City property between the garden and the home east of the garden (known as the Chanterelle house). 

The Fairhaven Community Garden is year-round and organic, and features 33 10’ x 20’ plots with a steady wait list; one of these plots was added in 2020 specifically to grow vegetables for food security/donation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neighbors continue to maintain the garden shed, and in 2015, applied for and won a grant to install a demonstration rainwater collection tank next to the shed. Also in 2015, the invasive Siberian elm trees on the west side were removed by the City (at the request of the gardeners), and neighbors and gardeners continue to improve this green belt area, planting apple trees, blueberries and native plants. Fairhaven Neighbors also hosts the neighborhood’s annual summer garden party/potluck at the community garden, typically held in late August.

Volunteers and gardeners continue to help with garden plot oversight and garden/green belt maintenance, while the City handles administration, registration, provides city water, and mowing the perimeter. The garden continues to be a beautiful respite on Bellingham’s south side, and is enjoyed by passersby, neighbors, gardeners, and a bounty of wildlife, including birds, bees, slugs, deer, bunnies….and the occasional cougar!

Fairhaven Neighbors would like to express its sincere appreciation to John Blethen, the City of Bellingham, and to all of the volunteers over the years who helped create this wonderful garden and continue to make it a special place in our neighborhood.

Compiled by Vince Biciunas (who also provided the historical photos), and Lisa Heisey, with additional notes from garden founder and community garden enthusiast John Blethen.