The Community Garden Network is about to begin another season at its two sites. Members hope anyone interested in having a plot to plant and harvest will contact Carol Meyer-Niedzwiecki at (269) 568-0580. The Network supports the Pantry Garden across from Summit Polymers on the west side of the village on Prairie Street. It also involved with the Heritage Garden next to the community pavilion beside the big red barn on North Richardson Street by the Historic Village. Both gardens have open plots this year. New gardeners are welcome to join and use them.
There is no fee to have a plot. Plot “owners” plant and maintain a small area within the larger garden. They obtain their own seeds and plants. The Network only allows natural pest killers and weed control measures. It provides free manure, wood chips and tools to share along with low-cost straw for mulching. The whole group comes together periodically for potlucks and community work nights where they tend the common pathways, a plot planted in the Pantry Garden for South County Community Services and around the fence lines.
“We have a good time learning from one another and sharing planting and recipe ideas and tips. If not interested in a plot, feel free to join us anyway. We never turn away volunteers or anyone needing service hours or community service,” says Meyer-Niedzwiecki. “If interested, call soon. We look forward to working alongside you this season.”