See how Rotary;s community garden has grown

The SML Rotary Club has expanded its community garden at Booker T. Washington National Monument by 40 percent. Food grown in the garden, which was established last year as part of the club's Tackling Hunger and Nutrition project, is donated to Lake Christian Ministries (LCM), a nonprofit that provides assistance to low-income families in the lake area.

So far this year, the club has harvested broccoli, radishes, romaine lettuce, spinach and strawberries. Potatoes, tomatoes, beets and peas also have been planted. The club also received a donation of asparagus from the farm of John and Elaine Danby near Glade Hill.

Together with Rotary, area farmers and individual growers last year donated more than one ton of fruits and vegetables to LCM. The nonprofit uses the fresh produce to supplement the boxed, canned and bagged food it provides to clients.

Major partners with Rotary in its project include Franklin County Master Gardeners, Booker T. Washington National Monument, Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Hot Shots Family Fun Center, local elementary school students and the SML Christian Academy. In addition, the club receives assistance from local volunteers.

As club members prepare to cultivate and harvest this year's larger garden, they are looking for additional volunteers to work in the Rotary garden or plant vegetables in their home gardens to support LCM.

Dave and De English are coordinating the effort.

To volunteer with Rotary's project, contact the Englishes at 483-0123 or djenglish@hughesnet.com.

Fruit and vegetables may be dropped off at LCM, 13157 Moneta Road, Moneta or Hot Shots Family Fun Center, 67 Village View, Moneta.