New Project Allows Garden Spot For The Community

WATER VALLEY – Are you looking for a great garden spot to get your turnip greens planted or other winter vegetables growing?
    Master gardeners Lucia Holloway and Anne Burke are spearheading a community garden to offer garden space and expertise, if needed, for anyone in the community interested in trying out their green thumb.
    The garden is located on prime bottomland on Railroad. There are 24 spots available and with a call to Burke you can claim your spot, or spots today.
    Not everyone is familiar with winter gardens, but Burke reports it is a great time to get the community garden underway.
    Among vegetables that will thrive in winter conditions are greens, radishes, mustards, collards, kale, and Brussells sprout. She even has plants available if your are interested. The garden is located on property provided by Springhill North M.B. Church.
    “Even though the community garden is located on our church property, the key thing is that everybody is welcome to claim a spot,” encouraged Spring Hill pastor Rev. Sammy Townes.
    Spring planting is expected to follow the winter season and Townes reports more garden space will be available if the need is there.
    Rickey Morris and others have volunteered their time and equipment to get the ground broke and rows carefully prepared. Burke reports no herbicides or pesticides will be used in the garden, but plenty of horse manure has been added to give the ground plenty of nutrients.    
    Both Burke and Holloway are encouraging gardeners who claim a spot to adopt an additional spot and donate the produce to needy families.
    “The cooperation and encouragement from everyone has been fabulous as we get this community project underway,” Burke reported.  “Mayor Larry Hart and city officials have been very supportive.”
    To reserve your spot or to volunteer with this project, or if you have spare garden tools you would like to donate for this project, contact Burke at 473-5001.