Growing friendships and hardy plants

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe
  • 19th Airlift Wing/Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE,Ark --  Have a green thumb? The Little Rock Family Housing has a community garden for all base housing residents to use.

The garden currently consists of 16 beds, and eight more beds will be available if enough members are interested. Plots can be shared as well. If a whole plot is too big for one individual, he or she can share with a friend or a neighbor.

"Gardening is quite a learning experience," said Emily White, a Little Rock Family Housing administrative assistant. "Our hope for the community garden is that it brings residents together and yields much more than just flowers and vegetables."

White said that the beds, dirt, fertilizer and water are provided by Little Rock Family Housing and explained the only thing potential gardeners will need are seeds or plants and a little patience.

"We ask that the plots be well tended," said White. "If they are neglected or unused after a period of time, we will re-assign the plot to another gardener."

The community garden is one of many amenities that the Little Rock Family Housing offers to their residents. They also host family events and offer multiple recreational areas such as, the dog park, volleyball court and the swimming pool.

"The community garden gives families an opportunity to get together, learn and grow healthy food all with a little effort and a lot of fun," said Sgt. 1st Class Randall Timmerman, a family housing resident.

Timmerman started a Facebook page for the Little Rock Family Housing community garden. This gives the gardeners a chance to talk and share tips, tricks or even find someone to water their plot if they have to leave for an extended period of time.

To reserve a plot, go to the Little Rock Family Housing welcome center and sign the gardening agreement. If you have any questions or want more information contact family housing at (501) 983-9044.