A gardening group in Vandergrift is looking to recruit a few green thumbs.

Members of the Vandergrift Parent Project gathered Sunday to prep, weed, dig, plant and water new plants in the 2023 Vandergrift Community Garden.

Located in Franklin Park at 284 Franklin Ave., the garden is in its fourth year. It is paid for, planted and maintained by volunteers.

“We need some new volunteers. We’d love to have some more join us,” volunteer Shannon Gourley said. “We feel like there’s still a lot of residents that don’t know there’s a community garden in Vandergrift.”

The garden is sponsored by the Vandergrift Parent Project. The group is a community organization of resident and parents interested in improving and maintaining Vandergrift’s parks and green spaces.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Vandergrift Parent Project volunteers Hope Shick (left) and Tori Feydt work in the Sensory Garden on Sunday in Franklin Park.  

About 10 volunteers worked Sunday afternoon planting lettuce, tomatoes, flowers, herbs, corn and pumpkins in various raised, wooden garden beds.

A berry patch includes raspberries and strawberries.

A Sensory Garden was added in 2021, featuring plants designed to appeal to young children and stimulate all five senses.

New this year is a large garden bed and a “mud play kitchen” for kids donated by the Caudle family of Vandegrift.

“A lot of children help, and just a lot of kids come by,” volunteer and group co-founder Chloe Kruse said.

Courtesy of Vandergrift Parent Project Volunteers from the Vandergrift Parent Project and youngsters pose for a photo Sunday after planting the 2023 Vandergrift Community Garden in Franklin Park. The garden is open to the public.  

Visitors are encouraged to help with watering when visiting the park. There’s a spigot inside the park and watering cans, too.

“We’re still working to get the adults in town more involved,” Gourley said. “Anybody is welcome.”

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