RUGN accepting applications for garden plots

The Racine Urban Garden Network is accepting applications for use of garden plots (10' x 20') in the new community garden on the corner of 8th and Marquette. Volunteers from Walden School, Parkside, Sam's Club and RUGN have been busy laying paths and preparing the gardens with compost.

The garden area has been leased from the city for this use and it is the hope of those involved that anyone who has ever wished for a garden participate. The rental fee of $20 can be waived if the gardener cannot afford it and what you plant is your choice. Flowers as well as vegetables are welcome.

Applications are available at DP Wigley, Mitchell Wagon Lofts, Cup of Hope Coffee Shop or on the RUGN website.   

Gardeners must attend an orientation session, either on Sunday, May 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., or Wednesday, May 19, from 6  to 8 p.m.. Both sessions will be held rain or shine in the Root River REC Center at 301 W. 6th St. Master Gardeners as well as RUGN members will be available to answer questions and give out applications. For more information contact rugn.org@gmail.com.

Racine's community garden takes shape

 Walden HS students, other volunteers, worked on garden

 Photo by Nancy Carlson

"Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God ."

-- Thomas Jefferson

More than 160 enthusiastic Walden High School students, along with other volunteers, made major progress Wednesday to prepare Racine's new community garden.

The volunteers -- after trekking from the REC with wheelbarrows and other gardening tools (photo at left by Kandy Meyers) -- worked for two hours laying out the individual garden plots and preparing the paths around the large site at 734 Marquette St., just south of the Riverbend Loft Apartments on Sixth Street. Other volunteers went downtown on cleanup duty.

The Racine Urban Garden Network is accepting applications from the public for use of the 10 x 20-ft. plots. The suggested donation for plot rental this summer is $20.


The approximately 80 plots will be assigned first-come, first-served and will have a layer of compost. Applications can be picked up at the Community Action Agency, 2113 Wisconsin St., at DP Wigley, 234 Wisconsin Ave., or at Mitchell Wagon Factory Lofts, 815 8th St. They can also be requested by sending an email to RUGN.org@gmail.com.

RUGN is also looking for volunteers, new members and garden tools, promising to put unused garden tools and other garden items to good use. Pick-up can be arranged. For more information check RUGN's website: www.rugn.org