Edible Park takes shape in Palmer

PALMER — The Edible Park, a new addition to this summer’s Grow Palmer program, got a great boost this weekend as volunteers planted the brand new bins built at the Salvation Army building downtown.

Folks worked for seven hours on Saturday hauling dirt and filling planters on the corner of Bailey and Evergreen streets. The massive bins were planted with all varieties of lettuce.

On Sunday, volunteers filled the remaining planters with dirt and planted broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, leaks, and more. Strategically placed nasturtiums, marigolds, and violas added variety and color.

Under warm, smoky skies volunteers of all ages worked together to transform a once fenced and barely visible lawn, into a green oasis of growth.

Jan Newman, coordinator of Grow Palmer, instructed volunteers on plant placement according to carefully detailed plans for each bin. Local passersby on foot or in cars stopped to ask what was going on, provide encouragement, or linger, watching for a few minutes.

Grow Palmer volunteers return from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday to plant the next four bins with an artful arrangement of sunflowers, peas, and vegetables.