Gardening remains America’s number one pastime, and with the recent economic downturn many Americans are turning to vegetable gardening to supplement their own budgets and also as a way to share with their neighbors. Community Gardens offer space along with a shared community experience for people interested in “growing their own.” Below is an extensive list of gardens available in our area, some are free and some require a small fee, and /or sharing of the food. Athens County - Community Food Initiatives operates the West Side Garden at the end of W. State St. in Athens, as well as the Hope Garden at Hope Drive Apartments. Membership and more information can be found on their website. Fairfield County - The city of Lancaster has established four public gardens which are part of a historic walking tour: Hocking County (Logan) - The Logan community garden was organized by gardening group Logan in Bloom, in cooperation with the Logan city government, and is assisted by Master Gardener Sarolin Griggs. The garden is located on Radio Lane, across from Lee's Banquet Haus, adjacent to route 33. Muskingum County (Zanesville) - Ohio State University Muskingum County agriculture representative Mike Mechling reports that there may be a community garden in development in Zanesville. Anyone interested in assisting in the effort to establish a garden in Zanesville should contact: Pickaway County (Circleville) - Ohio State University Pickaway county agriculture representative Mike Estadt also reports that there may be a garden in development in Circleville. Anyone interested in assisting in the effort to establish a garden in Circleville should contact: Scioto County (Portsmouth) - At the Riverside Park in West Portsmouth, those interested can rent garden plots from the county commissioners. The Scioto county commissioner’s contact information is available at: http://www.sciotocountyohio.com/commis.htm Washington County (Marietta) - Local non-profit Harvest of Hope operates the Harvest of Hope Garden, located at the intersection of S. Hart St. and S. Sixth St., behind the Food 4 Less. An additional community garden operated by Harvest of Hope is located in adjacent New Matamoras, and there are plans to start one in Harmar this year. For more information, contact: |
