An American Bald Eagle flew overhead as about 25 people gathered to bless and dedicate a new feature at Faith Lutheran’s community garden, according to a recent announcement. Pastor Cody officiated the event, where members of the Apple Valley Garden Club cut the ribbon for a 3-foot by 6-foot 'Veg Trug' they donated.
The 'Veg Trug' is a raised garden bed designed for urban and smaller spaces such as community gardens. The addition provides an easier gardening option for individuals with mobility challenges.
Faith Lutheran’s fenced-in garden, which is open to the public and free of charge, offers 33 plots of various sizes—most measuring 3 feet by 15 feet. The site includes in-ground beds, raised beds, and now the new handicap-accessible Veg Trug. There are also ten soil-ready 'Pepper Pipe Planters,' a compost bin, strawberry and blueberry beds, gardening tools, a storage shed, a water tower with a 400-gallon capacity, and a park bench. Gardening help is available on site.
Registration is required to obtain a plot in the garden. Steve Conrad, coordinator of the Faith Lutheran Community Garden, said: "This site, as well as the other four in the area, is open to the community. We’re poor," Steve said laughlingly. "We don’t have money! We function with volunteers, donations and grants to keep growing [pun intended] and improving. It’s not unusual to see Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or 4-H kids bustling about the garden. The contribution these great kids provide is immeasurable."
Other local community gardens include Arch Park Community Garden on Arch Avenue in Mt. Vernon; Community Roots Community Garden at 1104 W. Gambier in Mt. Vernon; Gambier Community Garden at 115 Meadow Lane in Gambier; and Lawn & Vine Community Garden at 1009 E. Vine Street in Mt. Vernon.
More information about registration can be found through contact details provided by Carroll Leis or by visiting the organization's website.
