Saturday’s weather was not conducive for gardening. But, it really did not matter for volunteers working on Morton’s new community garden. For them, gardening is a hobby.
Some were intern Master Gardeners, others were just there to help. But, the final product will do more than satisfy the cravings of a soil savant.
With the help of more than 50 Morton Junior High School volunteers, led by their White Team leader, Don Swearingen, the Morton Community Garden, named “The Giving Garden,” is on its way to a reality.
The garden is more than a hobby ground. It will serve as a source of food for local food pantries, such as We Care Inc.
“It’s all by donation,” said Mortonite Cathy Fishel, who has worked on the Washington Community Garden while she was an intern Master Gardener.
“We’ve been working toward this all spring,” Fishel said. “People have given us plants, seeds, rakes and shovels.”
Fishel said she hopes the garden is something more in the community will buy into. From the get-go, she has been impressed. Items were even donated from the Morton High School greenhouse.
Annette Peugh of Morton is still an intern Master Gardener. But, she has been gardening since she was about 12 years old.
“It’s just about helping learn about gardening,” Peugh said. “You learn a lot from others.
“I think it’s just real exciting,” she said. “It’s neat to see that other people appreciate it, too.”
Peugh said the driving force behind Morton’s community garden is community support. With enough backing, the garden can serve to satisfy hobbies and hunger.
Fishel said Washington’s garden has produced 5,500 pounds of fresh produce for food pantries. She said she would like to see the same from Morton’s garden.
But, it will not happen without the help and support of individuals throughout the community. Early on, it seems the interest is there.
However, to make this garden a success, it needs attention from volunteers throughout the season. To help or donate to the garden, contact Fishel by e-mail at cathyfishel@comcast.net.
