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Mattie Rhodes’ community garden, Jardin Júbilo, isn’t just another charming garden. It’s a means of providing healthy food options for area residents.
Located at 130 N. Topping, Kansas City, Mo., the community garden features a variety of beds with herbs, like chamomile, cilantro and basil, and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, corn and others.
This year, Mattie Rhodes is allowing area residents to rent plots of their own for $7 for the season.
“We know there’s interest among individuals and families to do this kind of thing,” said Mattie Rhodes’ Director of Community Services Susan Garrett. “Sometimes, they don’t have the space or the ability to build their own bed, so we just want to be able to provide that for them. Plus, we think it’s part of creating a safe, friendly environment in the neighborhood.”
One Historic Northeast resident benefitting from the garden is Julie Gilmore. Without Mattie Rhodes, Gilmore wouldn’t be able to grow her own garden, she said.
“I don’t have a big enough yard,” she said. “This (community garden) is a lot better than planting some small garden in my backyard and worrying about my dogs trampling on it. This is more of a rewarding experience.”
Every day, Gilmore visits the garden, tending to her lettuce, beets, tomatoes and hot peppers. Knowing that these vegetables are organic and chemical free gives her peace of mind, she said.
For some residents, using the community garden can translate into extra income, Garrett said. Several area residents have already voiced interest in selling their produce at farmer’s markets, she said.
To further help residents, Mattie Rhodes has partnered with Cultivate KC to offer free entrepreneurship classes for those interested in selling at farmer’s markets. Classes will be available in the near future, she said.
In the meantime, residents can contact Mattie Rhodes with questions regarding selling produce at a farmer’s market.
To learn more about the community garden or to rent your own plot, contact Rachel King or Gerardo Martinez at Mattie Rhodes, (816) 241-3780.
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