Garden Plots Available for the Community
A group of Royalton residents, with approval from the Select Board, and in conjunction with local schools and businesses, is creating community gardens on South Windsor Street in South Royalton. The location, known as the former Hope property, is a short walk of the village green. Anyone who wants to contribute to creating public garden space is invited to join in.
Garden plots, measuring 20 by 20 feet, are available for a $10 rental fee plus a $10 deposit that will be returned when the plot is cleaned up at the end of the growing season. Included in the rental fee are: tilling, on-site water, some tools for shared use, and the opportunity to garden alongside neighbors. All gardeners are asked to agree to a short list of rules, including refraining from the use of pesticides. Gardening assistance and workshops will be offered on occasion through the summer.
Participants, and anyone in the community who enjoys outdoor work, are encouraged to join in group work sessions at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Initial projects will include staking out plots, setting down paths, clearing brush, making space for a sitting area under a shade tree and gardening tasks.
Sixteen plots are available on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve a plot, or for more information, contact Royalton Recreation Department member Jenny Lane at 763-7740 ext 208 or jlane@soroschool.org.
Donations of garden tools, seeds, seedlings, seed potato, or compost/seasoned manure are invited. Items may be left at the South Royalton Market on the village green during business hours. Questions about donations, or further ideas, can be directed to contact Elizabeth Ferry, Community Outreach Coordinator at the South Royalton Market: soromarket@gmail.com or 763-2400.