Unity Hospital offers garden sites for community gardeners

FRIDLEY, Minn. 05/05/2009--In keeping with a focus on healthy eating and wellness, the North Suburban Hospital District presents Unity Community Gardens. The public is invited to sign up for garden plots located on the Unity Hospital campus.

"We hope the plots go fast and furious, and that we can offer even more plots in the future," said Gerald Maeckelbergh of the North Suburban Hospital District. "We hope people of all generations will be gardening together."

"People are interested in nutrition, physical activity, being green and saving money," said Rickie Ressler, president of Unity Hospital. "The timing is perfect, and we wanted to be an integral part of this community garden."

About 40 garden plots, each 15- by 20-feet will be plowed on land behind Unity Hospital. Half of the plots are for residents, with priority being given to people who live in North Suburban Hospital District communities: Fridley, Blaine, Hilltop, Mounds View and Spring Lake Park. The remaining plots will be available to Unity employees.

Gardeners will receive information about issues such as parking, watering days and garden access times when they sign up for their plot. Fridley Parks and Recreation will provide planting guidelines. 2nd Nature All Around Services will till the ground and spread a layer of black dirt. The hospital will assume watering duty.

The gardens will be available from May through October.

Rental fees are $35 for employees and residents of above cities; non-resident rental fee is $40, and people 65 and older receive a $5 discount.

Plot rental materials are available by visiting allinaunity.com. People can also call 763-236-3282 with questions or for more information.

Unity Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit family of hospitals, clinics and other care services dedicated to meeting the lifelong health care needs of communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

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