Bill Albee Would be Proud ~ By, John Howsden

After much planning, plowing and planting, the Bill Albee Memorial Copperopolis Community Garden has hit its stride. The 900 hundred square foot garden is teeming with ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, herbs, zucchini, yellow squash, pumpkins and more. If you think it is impossible to grow a garden in the foothills, swing by the community garden on O’Byrne’s across from IGA.

“It turned out better than expected,” said Jack Jimenez, chairman for the community garden. Volunteers planted trees, flowers and vegetables that are thriving in the rich soil that was once a dusty weed patch. With many helping hands providing daily care over the summer, along with donations from several local businesses, the garden is overflowing with ripe, juicy vegetables.  When asked if there was something else the garden could use, Jack said, “Someone with a small tractor who could be on call would help and, of course, we can always use more volunteers.” The garden is doing so well, Jack said, “They are looking into applying for a grant for the garden.”

Although the garden is providing a bountiful harvest, there were some mishaps, such as the water accidently getting tuned off to one of the timers, but because someone was checking the garden daily, the water was turned back on quickly.

Any gardener will tell you that there is a lot of work to growing vegetables, but they will also tell you it is a labor of love. The only thing more pleasing than looking over a garden abundant with ripe vegetable, is sharing them. For anyone interested in adding fresh vegetables to your meal, regardless of whether you had a chance to volunteer or not, now is the time to head for the community garden. All are welcome. That is the way Bill Albee would want it.