Community garden sprouts in New Bremen

NEW BREMEN -Members of the public got a first-hand look at the new Elmwood Community Gardens during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning.

Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen has carved out 25 plots of garden space behind its facility on Walnut Street for residents who live within the corporation limits of New Bremen or Minster. The plots each measure 25-feet-by-25-feet and can be rented for the year.

A fee of $25 is required to use a plot for the season. That fee will be waived for those 75 years of age or older and for all veterans of any age.

Gardens are to be used for growing legal vegetables, fruits, herbs and other annuals. No permanent woody plants, large shrubs or trees are permitted to be planted.

Elmwood Assisted Living Executive Director Kim Prueter reported that the plots are proving to be popular.

"Of the 25 plots, we already have 17 rented out," she said.

On Friday morning, residents checked out the well-marked and labelled garden plots. A water tank is situated near the plots to make it easier for gardeners to keep their plants growing. The tank will be filled daily, but gardeners are encouraged to bring their own water. Near the water tank is a compost bin. All garden plots must be well-maintained and weeded. Temporary garden fencing may be used during the season for animal control and damage prevention, but permanent fencing is not allowed.

Provided the gardens are successful, gardeners will be able to reserve the same plot for the next year's growing season, Prueter noted.