A new community garden is slowly taking shape here with volunteers expected to do some yard work on May 10.
The Get Growing Rockwood Community Garden Project recently had land at Valentino Park donated by Guelph-Eramosa township and will begin developing property this weekend with a planned opening in early June.
Organizer Jen MacLeod said the group is looking for families and individuals interested in renting one of the 30 garden plots that will be available to the public.
The Valentino Park garden is an extension of the first garden grown at the public school last year with food donated to the local food bank, and organizers are hoping will be the start of more community gardens in Rockwood. The focus of the park plots is to allow families and individuals to grow their own food.
“This is hopefully just the start,” MacLeod told the Advertiser. “Ideally we’ll have a network (of community gardens) throughout Rockwood.”
The group is also looking for volunteers to work in any capacity, MacLeod added.
“You can apply for your own plot to grow your own organic vegetables,” a News release from the organization states.
“Assignment of plots will be awarded to applicants by lottery. Applications are due May 23. Applicants will be notified the week of May 26 whether they have been assigned a plot.”
Plots cost $25 each in addition to a $25 deposit which can be refunded at the end of the season or carried on to next year if the gardener decides to continue with the plot. There is also a $5 registration fee.
MacLeod said the group is expecting to set aside four raised plots for residents who find it difficult to bend over when gardening.
For more details, plot regulations and to download a plot application go to rockwoodcommunitygarden.org or call MacLeod at 519-856-9709.
