Quarry Hill community garden produces economic benefits

Date: 8/11/2009

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW Members of the Quarry Hill Tenant Association have taken their love for gardening and turned it into a viable way of saving dollars in this tough economy.

Their flourishing community garden will become a cost-effective way for residents to share fresh vegetables. Started this spring, members of the association have planted tomatoes, peppers, squash, collard greens, eggplant and more.

President Irene Ford-Gallo happened upon the idea in a conversation with a friend. She later brought the idea before the members who thought it was a great idea and sealed it with a vote.

Ford-Gallo said the price of vegetables in the supermarket is soaring.

"Why go out and buy them when we can have our own?" she asked.

"And there is the health benefits," chimed in treasurer Betty Buddington.

"I enjoy planting," Rita Frechette said of her reasons for getting involved. "I like using the basil, rosemary and thyme [I've planted]."

While the association is comprised of 40 members, not all have chosen to participate. Those who have opted to partake are responsible for expenses.