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Community garden ready for planting

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Volunteers take a break after tilling and preparing the Ponoka Community Garden on May 13. From left to right

ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News

Family and Community Support Services in Ponoka has created something new to the town — a community garden.

For just $20 for a 200-square-foot plot or $30 for a 400-square-foot plot, residents of Ponoka can have a parcel of fertile land for all of their gardening needs.

With the annual purchase of the plot, you have access to your area for the entire season as well a access to an on-site water tank. The garden is located on the bank of the Battle River just off of Highway 53.

On May 13, volunteers began work on the field, marking off the plots and tilling the land.

Kimberly McMurray with FCSS says the plots of land are ideal for apartment dwellers or people who do not have space to garden on their own land.

“People like to grow for themselves,” said Rick Klassen, who is gardening on one of the plots. “I’d rather grow my own food.”

The current users are planting a large variety of fruits and vegetables, from potatoes to zucchini.

According to McMurray, gardening for yourself can be a therapeutic experience for many and it also builds a feeling of camaraderie between the gardeners.

“It’s also great for new gardeners,” said McMurray.

“There will almost always be someone here to help people out.”

If you are interested in gardening a plot of land, contact FCSS at 403-783-4462.