More Garden News: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park Leases Almost a Third of Available Garden Plots

According to an article in the Friday edition of the "Springfield News-Leader," the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department has leased 19 of the 60 garden plots it is making available to the public since kicking off the pilot program last month.

The 8 x 16 and 16 x 16 plots may be leased for $25 and $40 on an annual basis, respectively. Those signing up will have an option to renew their lease annually.

News-Leader reporter Wes Johnson laid out the particulars:

The Park Board provides soil, fencing, water access and a sign for each plot.

All food grown is the property of the plot's renter. Each participant is responsible for maintaining weed control, providing all seeds and other equipment required to grow a garden and removing debris at the end of the growing season.

"The goal of the new Urban Gardens program is to offer a space for people to grow fruits, vegetables or flowers, who otherwise don't immediately have the space available in their own backyard," said Parks Director Jodie Adams.

"They will also offer an opportunity for youth field trips to see and participate in a working garden, along with generally providing fellowship with others and recreational, exercise and therapeutic benefits to our community."

An urban garden program guide and application is available directly on the Park Board's Web site at www.parkboard.org.

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