NewsLocal News

Actions

ON THE ROAD: Britey Farm Community Garden

Posted at 5:40 PM, Jul 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-20 18:40:17-04

A midtown farm is dedicating its resourced to provide food for those in need - all while giving back to local charities.

It's called Britey Farm.

What do an accountant, a veteran and retired oil field contractor and some neighborhood kids and volunteers, have in common? The desire to provide anyone who wants it with fresh food, and support some local charities at the same time.

If you haven't heard of Britey Farm, it's time you did.        

Jerry Greenhaw couldn't sleep, so he ended up here about 3 a.m.

Britey Farm is located right in the middle of midtown Tulsa, near 31st and Harvard.

"I think it's pretty this year but I'm not really proud of the production of it," Greenhaw said.

The hottest may on the record really hurt the okra and tomatoes this season but the squash, cucumbers and even the melons have really come through in this community garden that covers about an acre.
    
"I make bread and butter pickles," Greenhaw said. "I made 12 jars yesterday and brought them over today."

Rows of produce, cut flowers, Jerry's pickles and salsa and even honey are all available, even when Jerry isn't.

"When he's not here, it's out here on the tables," neighbor Martha Gossmann said. "You just come help yourself and put your money in the mailbox."

Keith Butler owns Britey Farm. The office next door is where he runs his accounting business.

Britey is a combination of his 3 daughters' names.

Keith learned early that life isn't all about making money.

"My mom and dad had a plaque on a wall in their home 'Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last'," Butler said.

All of the money made at Britey Farm goes to five local charities.

Donations are down this year and so is the number of volunteers, which means there's more work for Jerry, and it's hard on this Vietnam veteran.

Two neighbor boys who used to just come around to visit are now paid by Keith to help out.

Jerry says the boys are worth every penny. His health isn't the best anymore and his legs give out, making it hard to keep this community garden in the shape he likes.

"Oh he's amazing!" volunteer Darlene Duda said. "This garden wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Jerry."

Check out Britey Farm, which is located at 33rd and Jamestown or check them out on Facebook.

 

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook