Plot rental applications available April 12th
Have a hankering for homegrown veggies? Enjoy gardening but don’t have enough dirt to dig in? Then check out Cornelia’s community garden.
The city’s Homegrown Harvest Garden is being prepped for renters. This is the fourth year Cornelia has had a community garden. It was moved to South Hoyt Street this year because of construction on Level Grove Road. The land is owned by the family of Kathy Palmer who entered into an agreement with the city earlier this year.
“The spot had been used for gardening in the past, but lain fallow for several years,” states a press release issued by Special Projects Manager Mona Painter. “It had plenty of sun, rich soil, and room for parking, creating an ideal situation for community gardening.”
The garden has been plowed and fenced in and is expected to be ready by the first of April. Painter says there are 12 plots available for rent.
“Some don’t have space or the equipment to make a garden. The community garden provides an opportunity for these folks to save money and make healthier meals for their families by growing their own vegetables.” says Painter.
The rental fee is $15 per plot, and includes the use of water, hoses, and a shed full of hand tools located on-site.
Applications will be available beginning April 12th at Cornelia City Hall and on-line at corneliageorgia.org. Rental starts when the application and payment are made and ends November 30th when the garden closes for the season. Plots must be kept planted and free of weeds during the rental period, and cleared of plants and other materials before the garden season closes.
In addition, Painter says gardeners and non- can enjoy fresh fruit from several of the city’s ‘mini-orchards’ this year.
“Cornelia planted fruit and nut trees and blueberry bushes at several city parks and other public spaces in 2014. They should be bearing this year. Anyone can bring their basket and harvest them or just eat them straight from the tree.,” she explains. “Two of these mini-orchards are located within easy walking distance of the new garden, so gardeners can supplement their home-grown veggies with fresh fruit and berries.”
A ribbon cutting for the Homegrown Harvest Garden will be held April 11th at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend.
The garden is located on Hoyt Street between the intersections of Level Grove Road and Irvin Street.
For directions or more information, call 706 778 8585.
