Kids & Family

Clawson Breaks Ground for Community Garden

Volunteers are needed and shares are available for people interested in buying fresh, local vegetables.

The Clawson Department of Public Works has began tilling the land for the city's garden, which will produce fresh vegetables for the community.

DPW interim superintendent Doug Ballard said crews were out Monday tilling the nearly half acre of land next to the DPW building on West Elmwood. Ballard said crews will till the area again in seven-10 days and they have already run the waterline for irrigation.  

"We're gonna be all set until we till it again," Ballard said.

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City intern Liz Carnegie and Mayor Penny Luebs have been planning for the garden since last year with hopes to bring the community together and provide fresh vegetables for those residents who can't do their own gardening.

with its efforts to start the garden. Baldwin said he hopes to start planting vegetables by mid-May. The garden will offer an assortment of naturally grown vegetables such as peppers and squash. 

Find out what's happening in Clawsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Baldwin said the city is seeking volunteers to help with planting and garden maintenance. He said he is uncertain how often they will need the volunteers. 

"We are looking to develop a volunteer schedule," Baldwin said.

Residents will be able to buy shares of the land for one lump sum, which will guarantee them a bag of vegetables each week, she said. Volunteers will sell the vegetables at the once it officially opens in July.

Baldwin said the shares the community sells will help fund the operation of the garden. A half share, which feeds a family of two, will cost $425 for May-November, Baldwin said. A half share equates to about $15 per week. A full share, which feeds a family of four, will cost $775 for the season.

Luebs has already visited residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the garden to share information.

Clawson resident Chuck Rondeau said he likes the idea of having a community garden.

"I suppose that as long as the farm area can be protected from vandals and animals, it might work," Rondeau said.

Rondeau said his only concerns are that large crowds usually gather to watch the July 4 fireworks in the area where the garden is and whether residents will find the fee for garden shares acceptable. 

If you are interested in volunteering or purchasing a share of land, you can contact Baldwin at cityfarms@mail.com.


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