Community gardening

By NATE HUBBARD/Staff

A successful garden takes planting, watering, weeding and plenty of nurturing.
But even those with the greenest of thumbs can’t grow a thing without adequate space for plants to flourish.
The town of Wytheville, though, is once again trying to make sure that a lack of arable land isn’t a barrier for anyone to enjoy sprouting vegetables or blooming flowers.
Located on town property near the water tower with access from Rolling Hills Drive and Cove Road, Wytheville’s Community Garden will be back this spring after a one-year hiatus.
Vice-Mayor Jacqueline King first proposed the idea of a community garden in 2006 after she learned of similar projects thriving in North Carolina.
Five people signed up the first year, but last year the area was plowed too late to be useable, said Jeanette Wood, the town’s assistant director of public information/tourism.
This year, however, the town is preparing early to have the garden ready for planting.
“It should be plowed this month and ready to go in April,” Wood said.
The space is divided into 10 feet by 20 feet plots, available for anyone to use at a cost of $20 each. Wood said the plots will be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis and, as long as space permits, people can rent as many plots as they wish to cultivate.
Reservations can be made now by calling Wood at (276) 223-3505 or by e-mailing . Wood added that later this spring she will contact those who make reservations to collect payment and let them know the garden is ready.
The garden is located on private town property so anyone without a reserved plot is not allowed on the grounds.
Wood said she had her own community garden plot in 2006 and plans to tend another this year.
“I don’t have space where I live for a garden in town,” she said.
There are no regulations on what can be grown – other than plants that produce illegal substances – and renters can add personal touches to their plots through small temporary fences or tasteful decorative signs.
“You can dress it up however,” Wood said.
People with plots can access the garden at their convenience and upkeep of each plot is the sole responsibility of the renter.
King said she considers “community” to be just as important as “garden” in the endeavor.
“Maybe making friends, just people coming together that don’t know each other,” she said regarding benefits of the community garden.
“It’s really easy to get to,” King added. “I just hope people will take advantage of it this year.”
Nate Hubbard can be reached at 228-6611 or .