By CLARKE STACKHOUSE/ Staff Writer

HELENA—The new Helena Community Garden breaks ground on Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. on the vacant lot across from the Jane B Holmes Public Library at 280 Tucker Road.

The garden will house more than 120 plots when finished, said Kristi Watts, civilian volunteer and project organizer. Each plot will be built out of cinderblocks and measure 16 feet-by-4 feet.

“Anyone can plant anything, from vegetables to flowers,” Watts said.

The garden is open to the public, and anyone can buy and maintain his or her own plot. The annual fee of $170 is waived for the first year.

“There will be a plot map and people can pick a plot,” Watts said.

The garden gives people an opportunity to work together and allows families to have time with their kids, doing something productive, Watts said.

The garden will also have a community tool shed, for the garden’s members to use.

There are plans to build a fence around the garden in the near future. Donations are welcome, Watts said.

“The garden has been talked about for a while now,” Watts said. “Somebody had to step up and take the reins.”

Watts said Maplewood Manor Assisted Living donated the land for the garden after she discussed the project with its director.

People interested in purchasing a plot should sign up at the groundbreaking ceremony. For more information visit the Facebook page, Helena Community Garden.

“We’re ready, come on and bring your vegetables,” Watts said.