When was the first time you found out what a community garden is? I’d never even of heard of one until I moved to California. Obviously the garden part is fairly self-explanatory, but what did the community have to do with it?

I follow a number of diy (do-it-yourself) blogs, and one recommended growing herbs and things yourself for cooking, to save money. It also made the suggestion that, if you lived in an apartment with no access to a yard, you might be able to find a community garden in your neighborhood.

I had no idea what this meant so I had to do some research. I looked up as much information as possible and learned that community gardens are places where anyone who lives in the area can have a small plot to grow fruit and vegetables. It’s also often part of many city’s urban renewal programs where ugly vacant land is given over to the community to be transformed into lush fruit trees, vibrant cabbage patches, and succulent tomato beds. In this way, people create fresh produce and are able to eat healthfully as well as enjoy the satisfaction of invigorating their city into something beautiful and delicious.

Corona is lucky to have two wonderful community gardens and one is having a Community Garden work day Saturday, Sept. 8 from 8:00 a.m. to noon that will include work in the garden. Everyone is welcome.  It’s in conjunction with the Interfaith Association’s 9/11 Project.

For more information contact Pastor Mark (coronapeacepastor@gmail.com). They are located at 280 East Ontario Avenue at the Peace Lutheran Church [MAP]. There are many plots available for $45/year. These plots are 400 square feet each. Please contact the church office at 951-735-0917 or coronapeacepastor@gmail.com for more information on how to obtain your own plot.

The second community garden has enjoyed so much popularity that it is currently full, however you may contact them to be put on their waiting list Corona.Garden@att.net. It is located at 2880 California Avenue at the Corona United Methodist Church [MAP].