When Indiana Humanities Council staff members broke ground on a backyard victory garden last week, they viewed it as a way to bring the humanities to life.

“We’re focusing on the things that make us human — growing, sharing and cultivating the earth,” said Keira Amstutz, president of the council.

The Near-Northside garden also leads into the council’s 2010 “Food for Thought” initiative, which will focus on Indiana’s role in the global food market.

The Humanities Council tries to strengthen the community by encouraging new ideas and innovation.

The herb and vegetable garden will include parsley, basil, rosemary, chives, sage, thyme, peppers, arugula, lettuce, onions, peas and radishes.

Three 55-gallon barrels collect rain as it runs off the roof of a backyard shed. The water will provide a drink for the garden all summer long.

Garden designers Laura and Tyler Henderson also incorporated a compost heap into the garden and reused sheet metal and crate lids to form the flower beds.

The Villa, a restaurant and spa next door to the council’s building, will use the garden’s fresh produce on its menu this summer.

But general manager Shawn Annandale said the garden will provide more than fresh vegetables on demand.

“We have so much going on, we tend to forget the people that live right by us in our community,” Annandale said. “When we partner closely on a daily basis, it helps us out on a financial level and truly brings us together.”