Sylva’s soup kitchen, The Community Table, has partnered with a group of recent graduates from the N.C. Cooperative Extension’s master gardener class to help grow flowers and fresh produce.

Using donations of plants, seeds, mulch, soil conditioner and money to buy essential items, the group has turned what was a lot of weeds into a viable garden space. The produce grown in the garden will be used for the kitchen’s meals, as well as sold to the community. The garden also serves as a memorial to the late Linda McElroy, who founded the Community Table.

Gardeners still need a water pump to be used to pump water from a nearby creek should the summer turn dry.

Volunteers are welcome to help tend to the garden on Tuesday mornings, and, if the garden produces as expected, to sell produce at the Jackson County and Bryson city farmer’s markets. The garden is located off Brendle Street on Storybook Lane in Sylva near the Church of Christ.

For more information or to get involved contact Marsha Crites at 828.586.2726.