The City of Santa Clarita along with the Community Garden Management Committee, are proud to announce plans for Santa Clarita’s first community garden project are well underway, with a groundbreaking event slated for Friday, December 3, 2010 at 10 a.m.

The community garden project is located at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, enabling residents to enjoy their own fresh, pesticide and preservative free vegetables, harvested from their own plots.

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There will be approximately 40 plots, each 10’ x 20’ that will be available for a nominal annual rental fee. Some of the plots can be divided into 10’ x 10’ plots. There will also be a few smaller plots, raised above ground, specifically for wheelchair-bound residents who may wish to participate in the project.

Beginning gardeners as well as experienced gardeners are encouraged to apply for a plot. Advice about gardening, including “how to” clinics will be offered.

“The garden project is anticipated to open in March 2011, just in time for the summer crop planting season,” commented Mayor Laurene Weste.

Right now, the Community Garden Management Committee is actively seeking funds and materials to complete the project. Some of the needs include: a large storage shed, a compost bin, assorted gardening tools, lumber for the raised beds, top soil, compost and soil amendments.

Donations of any size are welcome, and sponsorships of plots are available for a $500 donation which includes a permanent plaque recognizing the donor.

For more information about donating or sponsorship, please contact Diane Benjamin via email at dianetheflowerlady@earthlink.net or by phone at 661-250-8345.

To RSVP for the Community Garden groundbreaking event, contact the City of Santa Clarita at 661-255-4939.