In order to be more environmentally friendly, the University of South Carolina formed the Green Quad, a quad located between Main and Sumter Street and south of Wheat Street. It is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) certified housing at the University.

As part of the Green Quad, Assistant Director Jason Craig and David Whiteman created a garden designed by Matthew Kip.

The result was a community garden with student volunteers and members of the community tending and harvesting the garden. Volunteers have increased because of exposure through events such as parties at the fall and spring equinoxes and winter solstices. Craig and his team depend on volunteers to help plant the vegetables, build the beds, and many other tasks.

The garden, located south of the Green Quad housing complex covers a 50 foot by 50 foot piece of land. The space also serves as a storm water management and a home for a young orchard that was planted just last year.

Currently, the team is switching to their fall crops such as tomatoes, asparagus beans, greens, broccoli seedlings, and sweet potatoes. Raspberries, blackberries, and artichokes are other plants that are grown in the community garden.

Kip says that planting began on August 19 and will continue throughout the fall.

“We have on occasion donated surplus produce in the past to Harvest Hope Food Bank and hope that made a positive impact on community members. Lots of people have mentioned that they enjoy walking by our garden on the way to work or class,” Kip says.

“We hope to create a space for students to learn about this dimension of living more sustainable that is being involved directly with where some of their food comes from” Kip says.