PORT ANGELES — The Vineyard Community Garden is ready to let it grow, let it grow, let it grow.
Workers in the community garden, which was formed in April 2009, are preparing for planting for the summer season, said Christin Maks, one of the leadership committee members.
Olympic Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church, 3415 S. Peabody St., donated a 12,750-square-foot plot of land — that was creating a mowing conundrum for the church — to serve as a community garden.
For $35 annually, a gardener gets a 10-foot by 10-foot plot. Each is allowed up to two plots and must agree to the garden rules.
Those rules include having an organic garden, working eight hours per year to maintain the common areas of the garden and maintaining the plot that is rented.
The soil has been tested and is already nutrient-rich, Maks said.
“We had things that grew like crazy,” she said of her family’s plot.
“We still have broccoli and kale and chard from last year.
“The broccoli was so great that we ate as much as we possibly could and then froze the rest.”
The garden has 12 of its 60 plots available for those who wish to rent it.
“It was such a rewarding time to plant and grow vegetables for my family,” Maks said.
“We saved a lot of money and it was an excellent experience for my 7-year- old son to grow his favorites — strawberries and potatoes.”
The garden was designed by architect Hank Gibson.
“His vision is really coming true,” Maks said.
“We’ve planted some fruit and nut trees, and really the next step is to create some raised plots for those who are either in wheelchairs or cannot easily bend over to garden.”
The garden group also teaches gardening classes.
This Sunday, the class will be on organic gardening.
“We also have people who are available to help and information on when to plant and harvest different things,” Maks said. “It really is a community.”
Other classes will include selecting and starting seeds, transplanting, soil preparation and other organic gardening topics.
Local businesses — including Angeles Millwork, Hartnagel Building Supply, Sunny Farms, Airport Garden Center and Thurman Supply — donated or discounted building materials and garden supplies, Maks said
For more information or to sign up for a plot, phone Hank Gibson at 360-457-3744 or Maks at 360-457-0848. The e-mail address is vineyardgarden@gmail.com.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
