Plant sale exceeds goal for community garden; clothing drive now underway

Organizers said that a weekend organic plant sale exceeded fundraiser projections by over $100, although they hope to raise the attendance level for the event next year.

“Our first annual plant sale was a success, and we were happy with the results,” said Debbie LeVon, a board member for the Sylvan Ranch Community Garden in Citrus Heights. “We are working on lessons learned on how to do better next year.”

Although many residents haven’t heard of the community garden, they’ve likely seen some some flowers and gardening activity as they pass the corner of Sylvan and Stock Ranch Road.

Once an empty lot, the 1.85-acre parcel has been transformed into a thriving organic garden, complete with decomposed granite walkways and raised beds for wheelchair access — distinguishing it as almost fully ADA compliant.

Although the City provides the land, the garden is required to be self-sufficient, leading to fundraising efforts and membership fees for garden use.

Harvesting and gardening is allowed in designated “common areas” for $25 per year, and members can also lease their own 4 feet by 20 feet plot for an additional $25.

The garden has already begun its next fundraiser, working with California Clothing Recycler’s to host a clothing drive through May 3.

Seeking drop-offs of used clothes, shoes, towels and more, LeVon said the clothing drive was organized to give the community a simple way to donate without any out-of-pocket expenses.

More information about the garden and clothing drive can be found at http://sylvanranchgarden.org.