Community garden hopes to be in full bloom

The Hill City Community Garden would like to invite the public to attend its annual meeting and seed swap potluck April 14 at 5 p.m. at the Community Lutheran Church. 

The community garden is sponsored by the Community Lutheran Church but isn’t just for members. 

“It’s for anyone in the area,” according to Jeff Schlukebier. 

The garden is host to around 16 plots averaging 20 square-feet. Plants, vegetables and even flowers are welcome. 

“Hopefully we can fill all the spots this year,” said Schlukebier.

An annual $25 fee is charged per plot for general maintenance and upkeep of the space. 

There are two separate garden spaces—one is purely for organic growing.

“For some people, that’s important to them,” said Schlukebier.

The other is an “open campus,” which allows the use of chemicals. Both are fenced to help keep deer and animals out. 

The gardens are located down by the creek.

“We have good soil, we have water available and we have plenty of sunshine,” said Schlukebier. 

People are encouraged to bring seeds for the seed swap, but it isn’t necessary.

“You don’t have to have seeds,” Schlukebier saod. “A lot of times, people save seeds from the year before, or get seeds. So it’s a good time to share that kind of thing.”

During the meeting the community garden team will explain how the garden works and find out who will be utilizing their spot again and hope to fill any remaining spots. Work days will be scheduled for tilling spots, general maintenance and annual clean up. 

“It’s good to have a kind of community work day. We get to know each other a little better and talk about some of the rules or what people’s concerns are for the coming year,” said Schlukebier. “We can maybe make it better every year, where we learn something every year.”

Taco soup will be served along with any side dishes attendees would like to bring to share. 

To learn more about the annual meeting, seed swap or the community garden, interested parties can contact Schlukebier at 605-574-2505.