Community garden plots available

The Elm Creek Community Garden has plots available for budding horticulturalists, kitchen gardeners and canners.
Many plots still remain at the gardens, located at the southernmost end of South First Street in Iola.
“We have the whole block to work with but we’re only using one quarter of it,” said Val McLean, president of the group. Gardeners do not have to be city residents to participate.
Particularly in need this year are volunteers to help paint. The storage building, trim on a new garage and concrete plot markers all need new coats of paint. “Diebolt Lumber donated the overhead door and a man door for the garage,” said Carolyn McLean, along with lumber for the trim, paint and primer.
The group could also use help staking out plots, Val said.
“Just show up at the garden Saturday morning,” he said of those interested in helping.
The community gardens were established in 2005 to provide a means for people to grow their own food. Water, tools and tilling are provided with your $20 plot fee. Most plots are 12’ by 24’, McLean said. A team-work spirit prevails, too.
“My vision is to see everybody working together for the common good.”
Needed this year are a riding lawn mower and a rototiller, along with a volunteer with a rear-mounted rototiller to re-till the plots.
Donations to the water fund are always appreciated, and can be made when a person pays their city utility bills, Carolyn said.
For further information , call the McLeans at 365-5577, or plot coordinator Patty Gardner at 365-8194.