The city that gardens together

OLYMPIA - Another sign of spring has sprung: A new community garden opened Thursday at Yauger Park.

A small crowd gathered as gardeners planted the garden’s first crop – five Olympia blueberry plants.

The garden sits in the southwestern corner of the west-side park, just off Alta Street. There are 69 raised beds for green thumbs to till, most of them 5 feet by 10 feet.

Jeff and Carrie James and their 2-year-old son, Landon, were among a handful of eager gardeners getting a peek at their dirt bed. The family moved from Minnesota last year and is ready to garden.

“We’re new to the area, hoping to meet some people,” Jeff James said. “To have a dedicated gardening spot is really going to be nice.”

The garden is the city’s second in a city park. The first was started in 2006 in Sunrise Park and is managed by Garden-Raised Bounty, but it will be taken over by the parks department. The next garden is planned for Madison Scenic Park, and several more are planned over the next six years.

Louise Webb, a recreation specialist with the city’s parks department, said nine plots remain to be leased. Using a plot costs $25 per year, and the dirt and water are provided. Gardeners must agree to a set of rules, including a commitment to maintain the plot.

“I’m a gardener, so I’m really excited that the community gets the opportunity to share that experience,” Webb said. “It’s exciting. Now we just need sun.”

Matt Batcheldor: 360-704-6869 mbatcheldor@theolympian.com

This story was originally published April 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The city that gardens together."