The Elm Creek Community Garden will open for its 10th growing season March 17.
Val McLean, who with wife Carolyn donated the land for the garden more than a decade ago, said more than half of the 120 plots are still available.
A 12-by-24 pot is available for $25, or for free for those who meet low-income guidelines.
As a certified non-profit organization, the Elm Creek Community Garden operates entirely upon donations and volunteer help, McLean said.
All of the revenue from the plot rentals goes back directly into the garden.
As part of the agreement, the garden supplies water, tools and use of other garden machines — “any tool you’d ever need,” McLean said.
He recently tilled up the garden space. “I may go over it once again after it dries,” he said Wednesday.
Plots accessible to disabled gardeners also are available.
A PAIR OF hefty donations in recent weeks have given the garden a significant boost.
Iolan Earl Croley, upon hearing McLean’s appeal to the city for free water, wrote up a check that day for $1,000, enough to meet the garden’s water demands for the entire growing season.
Then, Senior Citizens, Inc., donated another $1,000 that will be used to defray other expenses.
“I can’t tell you how thankful we are for those donations,” McLean said. “The garden doesn’t make any money; it’s not supposed to. We figure if we can get $3,000 a year in donations, we’re good to go.”
