By Barbara E. Hernandez
The Press-EnterpriseThe community gardens in Palm Desert, Calif., provide a place for area residents to grow their own vegetables, fruits and herbs. And for some gardening enthusiasts, the challenge of tending plants in the desert heat is part of the fun of the challenge.
"I think once they hear they can't grow something, they take it as a challenge," said Spencer Knight, the city's landscape manager and overseer of the community gardens.
The four half-acre lots became community gardens three years ago. Each plot in each garden is four-feet wide and ranges in length from 8 to 14 feet.
Depending on the length of the plot, the cost ranges from $30 to $45 per plot for a year, which begins in September. For those interested in signing up mid-year — and willing to garden in the summer heat — the city is dropping prices in half.
Sharon Sunday, 52, has been part of the community gardens almost since it began. She's grown green beans, tomatoes and mint, but her tomato plants died this year because of strong winds. Her latest goal is to grow sweet peas.
Sunday grew up in Louisiana, where her father kept a garden. When she found out there was space in the community gardens, she "jumped at it," she said.
Sunday also has taken over a plot from a neighbor who gave it up because it was too much work. She uses compost mixed in with the sandy soil. She also uses an underground self-watering system while others use soaker hoses or water semi-weekly.
Lori Schaefer recently started tending a plot in the community gardens — mostly green beans, green peppers, cilantro and leeks.
"I love it," she said. "Condo life runs rampant out here and a lot of people don't have gardens."
Frankie Riddle said the gardens have been considered a positive addition to the city. "You can plant anything you want except trees," she said.
Monthly meetings help new arrivals get started or work through problems, Schaefer said. And fellow gardeners are almost always friendly, she added.
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