Community gardens reap success

Jackie Baker, Jessie Binion and Greg DeJarnett show off squash and cucumbers that were part of the first-year crops from the West End community garden. (Contributed Photo)

Jackie Baker, Jessie Binion and Greg DeJarnett show off squash and cucumbers that were part of the first-year crops from the West End community garden. (Contributed Photo)

Community gardens seem to be popping up throughout Chilton County, and a couple of gardens are seeing immediate results in the first year.

The Chilton County Treatment Center recently planted a community garden almost three months ago as a way to help their patients and the community at the same time.

The center deals with addiction and helps people in need find a purpose and get their life back on track.

The garden is called “ recovery gardens” and attempts to aid that process.

According to Susan Staats-Combs, executive director and co-owner of the Chilton County Treatment Center, the garden is symbolic of life.

“You’ve got to take out the weeds in the garden, just like you have to encounter obstacles in life,” Staats-Combs said.

Phyllis Cofer helps with the center and was instrumental in coming up with the idea after her years of gardening experience.

About three months ago, the Chilton County Treatment Center started a community garden to help residents and patients in need. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

About three months ago, the Chilton County Treatment Center started a community garden to help residents and patients in need. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Employees and patients at the center work together to help tend the garden.

A couple of weeks ago we picked 90 squash, Staats-Combs said.

Staats-Combs hopes to use every inch of their three-acre property if needed, and eventually inspire other treatment centers in the surrounding areas to follow suit.

Elsewhere in the county, the West End Neighborhood Watch has recently been harvesting vegetables from their first ever community garden.

The garden was planted on 12th Street and is located behind Fountain Chapel A.M.E. Church.

According to Jessie Binion, at this point, the garden has already produced enough vegetables to supply food for 40 families.

The crops include squash, corn, okra, tomatoes, beans, onions, rutabaga and zucchini.

The West End Neighborhood Watch is now inviting residents of the community to come out and pick some fresh vegetables for their families.

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