Boardman Park and the Mahoning County 4-H will open a ‘Community Garden’ at Historic Southern Stables on Washington Blvd. The garden will provide 10-ft. by 20-ft. plots per gardener at a fee of $25. The garden season will run from May 1 to Nov. 15.
      “Gardeners can grow food for their own families or for charity,” says park executive director Dan Slagle.
      Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as satisfying labor and a sense of community and connection to the environment.
      Those wishing to participate in the community garden at Southern Park will receive free water for their crops and periodic classes will provide instruction on gardening and related topic.
      Gardeners must provide their own seeds and/or plants, use their own tools, as well as fertilizer and mulch.
      “Our community garden will provide a place where each gardener will be part of a gardening community where there will be an atmosphere for a unique kind of fellowship. Every gardener will be responsible not only for their own plot, but also for pathways surrounding their plot. It will be a place where everyone participating can help each other,” Slagle said this week.
      What Will Gardners Grow?
      Plants suggested for the community garden include vegetables, herbs, flowers and small fruit plants for home consumption or donation to community food banks and other charities. All plants need to be maintained in a manner that they do not shade an adjoining garden or encroach upon pathways.
      Registration
      Registration for the Community Garden at Southern Stables opens Apr. 13 at the general offices of Boardman Park. Additional information can be obtained by calling 330-726-8105.