GROW!

GROW, a non-profit that owns and maintains several local gardens, has completed and opened its latest garden in Bonners Ferry.

Located behind the Lutheran Church, the garden is open to the public from dawn until dusk daily. Several plots are owned exclusively by GROW to raise produce for the food bank and Bonners Ferry Farmers Market, which is held Saturdays in the city parking lot next to Bonners Ferry Visitors Center.

Other plots belong to residents in need of space to grow plants, flowers and vegetables. Residents take care of their plots, including weeding and watering.

“We have a contract with the church for three years, and we’re looking for other sites to expand our community gardens,” said Elsie Hollenbeck, a member of GROW and a gardener. “The idea is to have them in different parts of the community so it’s more convenient for more people and then to produce food for the community.”

The garden is fenced and features several rock art spigots donated by Keith Schneider, who owns a rock art business. A demonstration plot includes more than a dozen different tomato plants.

“Feedback from the community has just been so positive,” Hollenbeck said. “People who don't even garden come by and tell us what a great idea this is.”

Hollenbeck said local businesses like Boundary Trading Co. have been generous with cash donations.

GROW works with the University of Idaho Extension Office and provides classes on planting, composting, floral arranging and mulching.

For more information, go to www.growboundarycounty.com.