Orchard Manor

On Thursday of last week, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture had the opportunity to do something good for one community garden. Commissioner Gus R. Douglass presented residents of Orchard Manor with approximately $1,000 worth of supplies. These supplies included 12 raised bed gardening kits and 74 bags of Miracle Grow potting soil. This equipment will allow the residents of Orchard Manor to restore their community garden and begin producing fresh vegetables. The commissioner expressed to the group the many  advantages of being able to grow your own produce and passing on this tradition to the next generation. Residents using and volunteering in the garden will be responsible for keeping track of their hours, working toward sustainability. The WVDA is also pleased to partner with the Kanawha Valley Growers Association to assist with the revitalization of this garden. This project was funded through the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. This grant allows for education, outreach, and the promotion of specialty crops. Since the project began, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture has awarded approximately $950,000 to 134 projects across the state to promote specialty crops.