Suwanee to plant seeds for giant garden

By Shane Blatt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Suwanee city leaders this week approved almost $400,000 in construction contracts for a 7-acre park that will feature one of the Southeast's largest organic community gardens.

Work on White Street Park is expected to begin by year's end and will include a revamped barn and walking trails on property along Buford Highway in the city's historic district.

It also will feature the Harvest Farm Community Garden, which is expected to open with about 60 plots with room to grow to 100. The garden will be at least double the size of most community gardens, which average 30 plots, project manager Jessica Roth said.

The property was bought in 2003 and is among more than 300 acres of open space the city has acquired through its open space program.

Plots are available to both city residents and nonresidents, though preference will be given to residents. Fees will range from $50 to $100 per year, based on plot size.

Plot applications will be available beginning Tuesday at www.suwanee.com. Planting will start in spring 2010.