Staff photos/KYLE LOVERN Pictured are only a portion of the Americorp volunteers building the raised garden boxes beside the greenhouse in East End.

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By RACHEL C. DOVE

Staff Writer

EAST WILLIAMSON - Since the construction of a “High-Tunnel” greenhouse on the site of the Community Garden, located in East Williamson, great strides have been taken to create a place where local residents can raise their own vegetables, along with produce that will be grown by the Williamson Redevelopment Authority to be sold at the Farmer’s Market, slated to open Memorial Day weekend.

On Tuesday, April 10, the project will be officially recognized and honored during a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled to take place at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Following the ceremony, volunteers are needed to assist in the construction and/or planting of the garden.

According to Allison Carey, one of the organizers of the project who is with the Redevelopment Authority, the raised beds that will be offered to the public will be provided for a low, monthly rental fee that will be affordable for everyone. The plots are being constructed to meet the standards set by the American Disabilities Act (ADA), and are approximately 1.5 feet off the ground, to assure accessibility by those who are in wheel chairs, and also to allow for elderly residents to be able to maintain their gardens without the need to stoop over to a degree that would cause them discomfort.

“As of now, we plan to have approximately 24 plots available to the public, that measure 8 ft. x 3 ft., and are 1.5 ft. high,” said Carey. “We may be able to add more public plots at the site as time goes on, but for now, we’re shooting for the 24.”

Carey, her co-workers and several volunteers will oversee the planting process and maintenance for the produce that will benefit the farmer’s market. A variety of vegetables will be grown and with the greenhouse completed, the planting season can be extended into early fall since the plants would be protected from the cooler temperatures and possible frost damage.

For more information on Tuesday’s event, or if you have questions concerning the garden plots available to the public, you may contact Allison or Cathe at the Williamson City Hall, 304-235-1510.