Seeds of Grace has completed its pole barn at its community garden in Highridge Estates, said Teresa "Teri" Sapp this past week.
The structure supports the group's vision of allowing people from different walks of life to share their talents and skills with others, said Sapp.
"Gardening is ageless. Young and old can participate," said Sapp. Their hopes are to expand the garden's existing raised beds to allow for more fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to be grown. She said she envisions sitting at picnic tables sharing about herbs. "The garden is an opportunity to get to know each other and form new relationships," said Sapp.
The community garden and pole barn were paid through donations made to Seeds of Grace from several sources. Tina Bullock, former president and current member of Lake Region Kiwanis Keystone Heights-Melrose, wrote a grant to Kiwanis Florida Foundation and secured $10,000. Member Jude Sorano donated the lot for the garden.
"Kiwanis has been involved pretty much from the beginning. Early, we applied for and received a $500 mini grant that went to our K-Kids for them to assist with the garden," said Bullock. "We like to see projects through and since I believe this to be an ongoing project, we will continue to support it. We believe this project can help make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in the lake region."
Seeds of Grace applied to Clay Electric Cooperative's "Round Up" program and was granted $5,000 to pay for the irrigation well and Sapp said they are in the process of asking Clay Electric if it is OK for them to use the remaining funds to buy more raised garden beds.
Bryan's Ace Hardware stores have and will continue to donate more plants for the garden, said Sapp.
The cost for the pole barn was approximately $6,000 and the installation was $1,500. Seeds of Grace would like to raise $2,000-$3,000 more dollars to finish the pole barn by pouring a concrete floor.
In addition, with the installation of the well and and electric services, the non-profit will have monthly expenses to keep the garden growing, said Sapp.
For more information about Seeds of Grace or to make a tax deductible donation, contact Sapp at 352.494.3724.