Finance and Administration Cabinet
Community Gardening Week Kick-Off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                         

Sec. Jonathan Miller recognizes the work of two community gardens

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The week of August 23-29 has been designated statewide by Gov. Steve Beshear, and nationally by Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, as Community Gardening Week.  Today Sec. of Finance and Administration Jonathan Miller commended the work of some altruistic gardeners for bringing their communities together and symbolizing what this week is all about.

Sec. Miller visited two urban community gardens in the Clifton neighborhood to hear about their exciting partnerships and to thank them for their work promoting sustainability. 

The Clifton Community Garden, located on Payne Street adjacent to Sacred Heart Village, features raised beds that are accessible to gardeners with limited mobility.  The Clifton Community Council coordinates the garden, but many people come together to make it a success.  Produce from this garden is used at a local restaurant, and a local business donates its coffee grounds for use as fertilizer. 

The Louisville Diversified Services Garden, located at 136 Sacred Heart Lane, is a partnership between Field Elementary and Louisville Diversified Services, a service provider for adults with mental retardation.  Ursuline Sisters of Louisville provides the land for the garden. 

“Our Governor’s Garden project in Frankfort came to fruition because the First Lady formed a coalition of groups with a desire to preserve the environment and spend some time outside,” said Sec. Miller.  “I commend these gardeners for doing their part to improve their surroundings, and hope they inspire others to do the same in their communities.”

Inspired by the White House’s commitment to homegrown produce and a desire to raise “green” awareness, First Lady Jane Beshear joined with leaders from the Finance and Administration Cabinet, Western Hills High School FFA, Kentucky Proud, and Access Food Pantry to develop and grow the first ever Governor’s Garden.  The Governor’s Garden is a part of Mrs. Beshear's larger Green Team initiative, which strives to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

For individuals who want to begin their own home gardens, assistance is available as part of the Governor’s Garden initiative at Cooperative Extension Service offices located in every county across the Commonwealth.  You can find your local office at http://www.ca.uky.edu/county/. 

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