Normal will have a community garden again on Oglesby Ave. and in Ironwood Park. (B. Corbin/WJBC)

 

By Stephanie Pawlowski

 

NORMAL - The first community garden in Normal was so popular, the town is opening a second location. 

 

The town opened a community garden on Oglesby Ave. directly east of the Community Activity Center in 2012. Town Planner Mercy Davison said the second garden will be in Ironwood Park at 1900 north Linden. The first year was such a success that officials decided to open a second location.

 

"Last year, I was concerned that not enough people would want to do it at all so when I showed up at 7:45 a.m. to just get myself organized, there were already 20 people in line. They had been there an hour before the doors opened. In fact some of them had been there longer than that," Davison said.

 

All the plots were sold within 2.5 hours. Davison said she expect a similar turn out this year. All plots are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a variety of plot sizes at each site, including a 10x10 foot plot for $15, a 10x20 foot plot for $25 and 20x20 foot plot for $35.

 

There are 35 plots available in the new garden. Both gardens are organic.

 

"Meaning the gardeners cannot use any synthetic chemicals. No synthetic fertalizers, herbicides, or insecticides," Davison said. "That just keeps the soil healthier, it's healthier for the people in the gardens, especially if they have children. And, all the produce they get would be organic as well."

 

Davison said residents can't grow produce to sell at a farmers market. She said it has to be for personal consumption.

 

Registration starts Monday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m. Plots are open to Normal residents on the first day then it opens to anyone on March 20.

 

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.