Springfield gardeners invited to community gardening gathering

MassLive, March 23, 2017, By Elizabeth Roman.

SPRINGFIELD — Whether it’s a vacant lot or a small patch of land behind a building, there are plenty of spots across the city that can be turned into community gardens.

To help people realize the possibilities, the Springfield Food Policy Council is teaming up with the Mason Square Library and Mason Square Community Garden members for a gathering this Saturday.

“We are looking for people who have experience in urban gardens or who have an interest in community garden to come to the gathering and share their ideas, success stories and struggles with us,” said Zaida Govan, a community gardener with the Mason Square garden.

Members of the council will be available to answer questions about how to identify spaces that would be suitable for gardening, what types of vegetables and fruits to grow and more.

“Gardening is a way to build community, and for so many neighborhoods in the city which are in food deserts this is a way to have access to healthy, fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables,” Govan said, referring to neighborhoods like Mason Square that do not have a grocery store within walking distance.

The event will be held at the library at 765 State St. from 12:30-2:30 p.m. To RSVP, contact Govan at zaida.govan@yahoo.com or call 413-301-2533.