Several blocks north of our house on Main Street, I discovered a community garden that is sure looking good. Since this is Memorial Day, I thought of the Victory Gardens I've read about during World War I and II. Not only did home gardens expand at that time, public and private Victory gardens sprouted in every available vacant lot or piece of land. The soldiers were supplied overseas and American's supplemented their war rations, with an unforeseen bonus. American's were actually healthier than before the War! Less sugar. Less red meat. Lots of vegetables.
Ste. Genevieve is a unique town in so many ways, one of which is that the people are still interested in that healthy eating. Fast food places are at a minimum. In fact, I know of only one in the entire town. Yet, there are numerous restaurants featuring fresh foods and made-from-scratch cooking. Within walking distance of our little cottage, I can count four such eateries. On normal weekends (when there's no covid-19 virus closure), there are often people waiting in line when lunchtime arrives because these restaurants are so popular.
For the home cook, there's a Farmer's Market each weekend during the Spring and Summer, located on the Knight's of Columbus grounds on Market Street, which is very much supported by the locals. Here I'm able to buy not only fresh vegetables, but items such as cage-free brown eggs gathered that morning, goods baked from scratch, and all kinds of home-canned items. It is definitely a blessing for me since I don't tolerate fast foods, preservatives or GMO products well.
So it was no surprised that Ste. Genevieve would offer its residents a place to grow their own food. Sponsored by UM Extension and the Master Gardeners, it is located on North Main Street going toward the Mississippi River and right beside the railroad tracks. For only $25/year, anyone living in the community can rent a small plot of land and plant their favorite vegetables for a summer of homegrown delights. The Community Garden began in 2016, but it seems there are more renters this year than ever. Had I known that I would end up staying for such a long length of time here, I would have joined in the fun.
If you are not into gardening but enjoy being close to nature, there is a book bench for reading or relaxing and a table for picnicing, and a beautiful flower garden along Main Street. And if you're lucky, a train might pass by with a wave from the engineer.
The
Ste. Genevieve Community Garden began as an idea from a community
member who wanted to grow fresh vegetables but didn't have the yard
space for a garden. The Ste.
Genevieve resident reached out to several Master Gardeners and the
local MU Extension office for help to get the garden started. We plan
to start small this first planting year in 2016 with room to grow. We
hope this formerly bare and unused piece of
land will eventually be a city park available to all community members:
gardeners and those who just enjoy an outdoor spot to sit, picnic, and
appreciate nature.
The
Ste. Genevieve Community Garden began as an idea from a community
member who wanted to grow fresh vegetables but didn't have the yard
space for a garden. The Ste.
Genevieve resident reached out to several Master Gardeners and the
local MU Extension office for help to get the garden started. We plan
to start small this first planting year in 2016 with room to grow. We
hope this formerly bare and unused piece of
land will eventually be a city park available to all community members:
gardeners and those who just enjoy an outdoor spot to sit, picnic, and
appreciate nature.
The
Ste. Genevieve Community Garden began as an idea from a community
member who wanted to grow fresh vegetables but didn't have the yard
space for a garden. The Ste.
Genevieve resident reached out to several Master Gardeners and the
local MU Extension office for help to get the garden started. We plan
to start small this first planting year in 2016 with room to grow. We
hope this formerly bare and unused piece of
land will eventually be a city park available to all community members:
gardeners and those who just enjoy an outdoor spot to sit, picnic, and
appreciate nature.
If you are interested in renting a garden plot, there are still a few available.
I have mine picked out for next year. . .
The
Ste. Genevieve Community Garden began as an idea from a community
member who wanted to grow fresh vegetables but didn't have the yard
space for a garden. The Ste.
Genevieve resident reached out to several Master Gardeners and the
local MU Extension office for help to get the garden started. We plan
to start small this first planting year in 2016 with room to grow. We
hope this formerly bare and unused piece of
land will eventually be a city park available to all community members:
gardeners and those who just enjoy an outdoor spot to sit, picnic, and
appreciate nature.
The
Ste. Genevieve Community Garden began as an idea from a community
member who wanted to grow fresh vegetables but didn't have the yard
space for a garden. The Ste.
Genevieve resident reached out to several Master Gardeners and the
local MU Extension office for help to get the garden started. We plan
to start small this first planting year in 2016 with room to grow. We
hope this formerly bare and unused piece of
land will eventually be a city park available to all community members:
gardeners and those who just enjoy an
The
Ste. Genevieve Community Garden began a
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