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‘Son’ shine and showers of blessing help feed the community |
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Tuesday, July 07 2009 |
Victory Gardens were promoted by the U.S. government during World War II as a way to “Make your rations go further.” Now, with the possibility of increasing food prices in a difficult economy, communities are developing Community Gardens.
By BECKY HAND
Community editor
Victory Gardens were promoted by the U.S. government during World War II as a way to “Make your rations go further.” Now, with the possibility of increasing food prices in a difficult economy, communities are developing Community Gardens.
With a $1,000 donation from the Whitley County Community Foundation and many others, the First Church of God under the direction of Master Gardener Stan Ide of Larwill have turned over the sod to create “Sonshine Gardens,” a local version of a community garden.
Some plots are given outright for use by specific families, and others are tended by members of the church who give the produce to others via food pantries or in person.
“I love my garden,” said Barb Berlin, who is gardening for the first time in her life. She has already harvested jalapeno peppers, broccoli and a carrot for her family of six.
She is even trying her hand at unusual vegetables, okra and eggplant. “The kids like watching them grow,” she said.
Others have already brought in cucumbers and tomatoes. Shirley and Steve Mossburg have had two-and-a-half tomatoes — one had been sampled by residents of the garden.
Stepping Stones Preschool, based at the church, has its own plot and the children are really getting into working the soil and learning where different foods come from.
Stepping Stones director Deb Gates says, “Kids from the city are learning” who have never worked in a garden before.
Inspiration for the garden came from an article about a community garden in Vail, Colo. who named their project, “Garden of Feedin’.” Ide said the Vail garden has rules that banning weapons at the garden and prohibiting the growing of marijuana.
Many were at the garden Friday evening looking over their plantings before heading off to celebrate the fourth of July weekend.
Dave, Denise and Megan Beers have a plot even though they have a garden at home.
“This (plot) is to give to people in need,” said Dave Beers. The Beers feel this could be a possible Gold Award project for the girl scouts, as well.
Rhonda Williams proudly showed off her first cucumber.
The first year for this project, Ide looks to expansion of the garden plots even as early as next year. Corn, green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce are other vegetables growing this year, and a waterline has been put in place with a spigot in the garden.
Under Ide’s watchful eye and plenty of “Son”shine and showers of blessing, the garden rivals any done by area seasoned gardeners.
E-mail staff writer Becky Hand at
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, July 08 2009 )
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