Gardening options abound in the north part of the valley

Stepping into a community garden in the middle of the Las Vegas desert is like being transported into an oasis of fresh fruit, vegetables and plenty of community support.

The northwest area stands out with its variety of garden space, agriculture and experts willing to educate the public about food, where it comes from and how to grow it.

SAN MIGUEL COMMUNITY GARDEN

The San Miguel Community Garden started in February and has attracted a plethora of visitors through word of mouth.

Members of the San Miguel Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints created the nonprofit garden at 3900 Bradley Road.

“The garden was the idea of our former bishop, Charles Bennion,” said Paul Larsen, a volunteer. “He wanted to bring the community together. The garden is about the people.”

The garden contains approximately 40 beds filled with white and orange pumpkins, squash, cauliflower, sugar baby watermelons, broccoli, onions, peppers, kale, herbs, corn and other crops.

The garden is intended for the San Miguel neighborhood boundary, which is made up of Rancho Drive on the west, Craig Road on the north, Valley Drive on the east and Cheyenne Avenue on the south. However, Larsen said they do not turn anyone away, especially if they want to volunteer.

“I love it,” said visitor Scott Grange. “It’s one of the few places you can get vegetables and fruit straight from the source.”

In addition, the garden has grapevines and a chicken coop with 17 egg-laying chickens.

Everything is based on donations, which go toward maintaining the garden.

“The community has responded well to us,” Larsen said. “A lot of people didn’t know we could grow things out in the desert.”

The garden is open from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 702-204-5974.

CENTENNIAL HILLS ACTIVE ADULT CENTER COMMUNITY GARDEN

The community garden at the Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, was started in May 2012 by then-11-year-old Sarah Richard through the help of a Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program grant.

Richard designated the garden with the theme “Celestial Gardens” and, with the help of community members, created murals to bring it to life.

“This is therapeutic for most of our gardeners,” said Ashley Koehlmoos, community program specialist at the Active Adult Center. “It’s quiet and relaxing but also social and a place where people can meet up and grow their own food.”

People 50 or older who pay the $2 annual membership to the Las Vegas senior citizen program are eligible to receive a plot at the garden for $30 for a full bed and $15 for a half for the growing season, which is typically six months.

In addition, a meeting with a Master Gardener is planned every month for those who want to learn about gardening.

There are currently no open spots, but a wait list is available at the center for those who wish to sign up.

The garden is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information, call 702-229-1702.

CRAIG RANCH REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

The community garden at Craig Ranch Regional Park, 628 W. Craig Road, offers participants yearlong leases for its 5 feet by 13 inches full-sized raised bed planter boxes.

The garden, which opened last year, has 31 plots available. Arlene Smith, recreation leader at Craig Ranch Regional Park, said the garden has been well-received in the community, especially with families.

“(Community gardens) help get kids who don’t like eating vegetables excited about their food,” Smith said. “These gardens help people live healthier lives and give people something to do.”

There is an annual fee of $150 for a full-sized raised bed and $75 for a shared raised bed planter box.

Although tools and material are the responsibility of the gardener, access to water is provided by the city.

A Master Gardener is set to visit the garden from 9 to 11 a.m. every Friday. Gardening classes are also planned in the spring.

People can sign up online at cityofnorthlasvegas.com or by calling 702-633-2418.

The garden is open during regular park hours, which are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but are subject to change.

FLOYD LAMB PARK AT TULE SPRINGS COMMUNITY GARDEN

The community garden at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road, was started with the help of Angela O’Callaghan, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension social horticulture specialist.

People who rent the beds at the park have to meet requirements, such as maintaining their beds and paying a $150 annual fee. The fee includes an annual parking pass, classes and water. There are approximately 15 beds available.

For more information, call Elaine Fagin at 702-257-5573.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTS SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

Children can participate in gardening classes through the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Food for Thoughts program at 4600 Horse Drive.

Karyn Johnson, Food for Thoughts School Children’s Demonstration Garden coordinator, is in charge of the school garden in North Las Vegas, which is open to schools and the community.

Families with children ages 4 or older are invited to do family gardening from 10 a.m. to noon every first and third Saturday of the month. A Master Gardener will instruct them on planting techniques and how to harvest. If interested, families must register with Johnson.

In addition, the Junior Master Gardeners program is set to start registration in December for classes starting in February. The program consists of 90 minutes of instruction inside the classroom and 90 minutes of hands-on projects.

The garden consists of apriums, apricots, squash, pluots, apples and peaches. Grapevines decorate the walls, and there are also rows of artichokes, onions, broccoli, cabbages and garlic growing.

For more information, visit www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/foodforthoughts or call Johnson at 702-257-5523.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.