The Vine & Lawn Community Garden has officially opened in Mount Vernon, Ohio, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was held in collaboration with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and attended by community leaders, partners, and residents. The garden aims to provide access to fresh produce and serve as a communal space for interaction.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr emphasized the social benefits of the garden during his speech: "It gets people out of the house. It gets people talking. You’re not only gardening, you are developing those relationships. You are building trust with your neighbors. This is a perfect model, and I’d like to see it replicated in other parts of the city."
Walt Lewis, United Way’s Resource Navigator and member of Vine & Lawn, also spoke about the garden's purpose: "We saw the need for fresh food ... and the community came together. The most outstanding thing is that it has broken down social isolation. Even the older adults enjoy the accessibility. We are keeping it open for everyone."
Located between Vine Street and Lawn Avenue, the garden features raised beds, pollinator plants, and offers hands-on workshops. Residents can rent plots or volunteer to contribute to local food growth.
The initiative represents a joint effort to foster community ties and promote healthier living through local agriculture. Special acknowledgments were given to Carol Grubaugh, Knox County Chamber of Commerce members, Mayor Matt Starr, and all attendees.
For further details or inquiries about participating in the garden activities, interested parties can contact liveunited@uwayknox.org.
