AMERICORPS GARDEN SOAKED; PLOT NEEDS DONATIONS, DRY WEATHER

Drier weather and donations are needed for AmeriCorps' Community Garden to start growing.

The garden doesn't look like much right now. AmeriCorps workers planned to tidy up and till the plots in the 1100 block of North Main Street last weekend but rain interfered. The sign needs new paint and is lying on the ground.

But a donated load of bricks is piled by the sidewalk, and AmeriCorps workers are ready to dig in when the weather cooperates, says Janine Jepsen, training coordinator for AmeriCorps in Cape Girardeau.

The plots are located in a flood plain now owned by the city. Last year, the first for the garden, a neighbor who lives nearby on South Spanish Street ran four lengths of hose over to help irrigate the garden. AmeriCorps workers also brought water in jugs.

The water line from a house that once stood at the site can be tapped into but the cost is $300. AmeriCorps has collected $75 toward that goal.

Donations of seeds also are needed, both for food and flowers.

The garden fulfills AmeriCorps' mission of community service, helps teach life skills and beautifies an otherwise empty lot, Jepsen said.

"Why not do something productive with the land?" she asked. "It's not allowed to be built on."

Joelle Borgerson, one of the Americorps workers who will help the garden, is a criminal justice and psychology major from Festus. She works with the Cape Girardeau County Juvenile Office.

"I was in the Girls Scouts and now I'm getting back involved," Borgerson said of joining AmeriCorps. "It's very rewarding to work with these kids and to make a difference. In some lives you do."

Borgerson also has another job and tutors at the Cape Girardeau Civic Center besides carrying a full load of classes at Southeast.

Tina Shamel, a biology major from Lebanon, Mo., does most of her AmeriCorps work at Trail of Tears State Park but will be helping with the garden as well.

"I've always wanted to do community service," she says, explaining her involvement with AmeriCorps.

Jepsen said anyone can get a plot in the community garden as long as they're willing to provide upkeep.

Last year, participation in the garden was limited mostly to AmeriCorps and the Division of Youth Services. "It was a learning experience," Jepsen said.

But, she said, "This year we're hoping to expand and get more community members involved."

Janine Jepson said an Optimist Club youth group is considering taking over the community garden once AmeriCorps leaves (see related story).

To reserve a plot or make a donation, phone AmeriCorps at 651-5104.