New name, new digs
Changes coming to Community Garden and Market for Greater Ennis
In an effort to better reflect their garden’s relationship with the Ennis area, community gardeners in Jeffers have renamed their prized plot and market to the Community Garden and Market for Greater Ennis.
But it’s more than just a name change for the garden market, soon to be in its fourth year. This summer the market grounds will be getting a spruce up, including the construction of a community center complete with an outdoor pavilion, kitchen, sheltered picnic area and bathrooms.
Market organizer Melissa Smith said the plan is to use the kitchen and other facilities during the market as well as other events to be held at the garden grounds, including concerts, a new use for the venue that started last year and is planned to be expanded upon.
“We think the building will enable us to do all kinds of community events,” said Smith, who was pleased with the popularity of the live music. “That’s what we’re trying to do – we’re not just a church, we’re a community, so we are aiming to create a community gathering space built around the garden.”
The added facilities will compliment what really makes the property shine – the verdant garden space which allows for uber-fresh veggies and flowers to be harvested and sold almost simultaneously. Smith described markets where shoppers are welcomed to roam the rows, and situations where veggies sell out only to be easily replenished right from the garden.
Fresh produce being a given, the market has also offered items ranging from lavender soap to honey, pies, dog treats and more. This year corn will be new crop added to the mix, and requests are always taken.
“It’s just a wonderful place to be, it really is,” said Smith. “We just want the whole community to enjoy it.”
You don’t have to be an actual gardener at the community garden to be a vendor at the market. For more information, call Smith at 406-475-0656.
The Community Garden and Market for Greater Ennis is located next to Trinity Church in Jeffers, just a hop, skip and a jump (also known as a few minutes’ drive) from downtown Ennis.
The market will run weekly on Saturdays starting June 19 from 9 a.m. to noon