A community garden in Petrolia could offer those with a green thumb, who don't have their own garden, the opportunity to plant this spring.
The Rotary Club of Petrolia has partnered with the Town of Petrolia for a new community garden initiative.
Director of Community Services and Facilities Dave Menzies said the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the initiative by a year but the township is excited to start the program in time for this spring.
"It's a great initiative to offer residents a spot where they may not have the space or the means to have a backyard garden," said Menzies.
He also said gardening can have social and mental benefits. It also offers the opportunity to feed yourself or others.
"This encourages families and businesses to develop a garden plot and grow fresh vegetables. The idea is you can use it yourself or to be donated," he said.
Application forms can be found online. A lottery to award plots to 12 applicants will take place the first week of February.
Gardeners will be responsible for the upkeep and clearing of their plot in the fall.
Each plot will be held for one season and applications can then be resubmitted for a lottery to take place the first week of December.
Menzies said the program has already received several applications so he suspects it will be a success.
"We're going to plan some meetings and some discussions to see how far we can grow the program in future years," he said.
The community garden is located on the west side of Centre Street, between Portland Avenue and the Town of Petrolia Public Works Yard.