Above / For more than 30 years, Chuck Crock has volunteered to help gardeners prepare plots for planting at the garden plots, located at 811 S. West Street, just across from Knoch Park, near Naperville Central High School.
During a sunny Sunday afternoon at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, plenty of joyful noises were buzzing among the drones of rototillers as folks gathered to renew friendships, one of many benefits that accompanies community gardening. Dozens of longtime gardeners of all ages reunited to catch up where they left off last fall, eager to prepare the soil, learn from each other and begin planting—all while growing a greater sense of community.
Note personal benefits of community gardening
Did you know that community gardening is reputed to have multiple benefits beyond the fruits (flowers, herbs and vegetables) of your labor?
Elevated mood
Whole body exercise
Family togetherness
Less stress with more camaraderie
Improved diet
Increased social connections
Environmental stewardship all in a row
Renewed friendships with helping hands
Charitable giving, too
Then when all the tender loving care produces crops ready by a bushel and a peck (or less), a donation kiosk, facing the parking lot, will be available for gardeners who have extra fruits and vegetables to donate. The grateful staff from Loaves & Fishes, a local food pantry, regularly pick up produce from this kiosk to take back for distribution via their organization.
Garden plots range from half size plot (approximately 14.5’ x 18’ ) to full size plot (approximately 29’ x 18’). A raised plot (20’ x 4’) is available requiring a doctor’s note.
Garden Plots, now sold out, became available via registration earlier this spring. Any refunds must be requested by Friday, June 4. And all plots must be planted by Monday, June 14.
Located at 811 S. West Street, just across from Knoch Park, Garden Plots, as mentioned above, are sold out for the 2021 season.
Gardeners are encouraged to follow local protocols to help ensure a safe, stress-free environment in the great outdoors.
For more information and updates, find the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots listed at www.napevilleparks.org. To have a question answered, email info@napervilleparks.org.
