Believe it or not, Spring is almost here! And the planting of new community gardens will follow close behind. The Franklin County Commissioners announced today that they would be investing $20,000 in local garden grants, in addition to offering space at the Franklin County Gantz Road Community Garden.
“Growing up on a farm, my family was fortunate to spend a lot of time together working in the garden and growing our own vegetables,” says Board of Commissioners President Paula Brooks. “More than the flowers and vegetables that grow in these gardens, this investment provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulates social interaction, and creates opportunities for income and economic development.”
2012 marks the fourth growing season at the Gantz Road Community Garden, and Franklin County will be accepting applications to rent garden plots there starting this week. 60 plots of land are available through a lottery system, ranging from a $10 100-sqft plot to a $30 400-sqft plot. The garden will be open April 14th through October.
“Gardening is a pastime that anyone with a little time and patience can participate in, no matter your age, income or health,” adds County Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “Gardens help fight obesity by providing flavorful, nutritious food, and they support your health by providing you with great exercise and fresh air.”
Additionally, Franklin County is offering grants of up to $4000 for local nonprofit groups who are looking to manage and maintain community gardens. Grants can be used for supplies or services related to growing vegetables, fruits, herbs or flowers.
“For the last several years, Central Ohio has been a leader in the growing community garden movement,” says County Commissioner John O’Grady. “Our partnership with the City of Columbus and the Columbus Foundation to fund these grants – along with private support from Fifth Third Bank and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company – has given even more families an opportunity to grow good things together in our community gardens.”
To apply online for grants, or for more information, visit columbusfoundation.org.