SNOW HILL — Saturday marked the completion of a Greene County community garden, starting a hopeful neighborhood fellowship in Snow Hill.
In September, a then-empty lot on Hart Street was transformed into what is now a complete garden with planting beds, a tool shed and — most importantly — produce.
Master gardener Gene Riddle said the interfaith organization in Snow Hill feeds nearly 200 families each month and will benefit greatly from the project.
“Part of the reason for the garden was to provide fresh produce to (the interfaith group’s) food pantry,” Riddle said. “The second was to get a community built here.”
The garden has been funded by various grants from the county’s Parks and Recreation office, rotary club and North Carolina A&T, costing $14,000 so far.
Beds will be rented out for $10.
He said almost 30 volunteers came to help with the garden on Saturday morning.
“We’re helping the community,” said Mason McElveen, 7, as he learned about different types of vegetables and flowers from his time in the garden.
Other community members, including 4-H youth and leaders, worked on de-weeding plots and moving plant beds.
“I’m learning new things,” said 18-year-old D.J. Gray, a Greene Central High School student. “This is my first time cutting wood.”
Riddle said 4-H has been a big partner with the community garden, offering most of the volunteers for Saturday’s completion.
“In 4-H, our basis is community service,” said 4-H youth development agent Emily Herring. “The garden is a great learning tool. It’s a hands-on experience for kids and that’s what my interest is in this.”
Riddle said his vision for the garden is to have it fully populated when it becomes available for community planters in February. Seven of 28 beds are already in use.
“We’re hoping for a much better crowd in the spring,” he said. “We’re trying to get as a diverse population as we can.”
Cabbage and collard greens are already planted in the garden.
“The only thing we’re trying to do is make a difference, a good difference,” Herring said.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.