Organization plants idea for community garden

A new organization will rent garden space in Bonners Ferry to residents.

Gardeners for Regional Organic Well being, or GROW!, will provide space at Trinity Lutheran Church. Anyone who is interested in growing a   garden can rent a 4- by-20-foot space for $20.  The fee includes water and use of hoses. 

Some free seeds and plants will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  There is a shed on site for weeding and planting tools.  There are 36 spots left for the season.

 GROW President Jason Thomas and vice president Jennifer Jensen want to get the word out about the organization and its effort to connect neighborhoods and schools

to enhance the well being of Boundary County and its residents.

GROW provides education for planting, growing, harvesting, food storage,  composting and healthy food choices. 

GROW will provide garden spaces for neighborhoods,  people who live in apartments and anyone interested in learning how grow organic fruits and vegetables of their own. 

The group will have on-site lessons for teachers and students to learn how to grow healthy plants that  produce fruits and vegetables for healthy eating.

At the gardens there will be picnic tables, and on occasion, music will be provided to those tending their gardens.

Two seperate garden sites will provide fruits and vegetables to the local food bank, Senior Hospitality Center, churches and other groups who provide a place for food distribution in the community. 

GROW wants to create a community center exercising, youth groups, communication, food storage and kitchens for processing food. 

“I am excited about the direction in which GROW is moving and invite the entire community to join us in our efforts.” Thomas said.

Donations can be sent to GROW at P.O. Box 1433, Bonners Ferry, ID,83805.

GROW meets at 5:30 p.m. Mondays at Mugsy’s.  For information, call the director of GROW, Mikayla Jorden, at 610-9399.