Local Gardeners Dig In Before Spring Settles Over Area

Some Oak Forest residents couldn't wait for consistent signs of spring. The city's avid gardeners have staked their claims and tilled their plots at 151st and Long in preparation for the sun and showers of April. 

Local gardeners grab their own piece of earth where they can nurture and coax plants into full bloom for $20 per 10-foot by 10-foot plot. The soil is theirs to plant their pick of blossoms, fruits, vegetables—whatever they like. Last year, the corn stalks towered over some gardeners' heads, while others stuck to broccoli or cauliflower.

"Residents who don't want to or can't put a garden in their yard, this is for them," said Joe Conway, with the Oak Forest Park District. "It's a better way for them so they don't have to dig up their own yard to do it."

The garden at 151st and Long sits on a lot of unused land 66 feet wide by 700 feet long—which the park district hopes is enough space for 150 plots. In its first season last year, 10 gardeners dug into the space.

Conway, who is a firefighter and paramedic in Downers Grove, was inspired to start up the garden by the elaborate, vibrant one nearby the .

"I really want this to work," Conway said. "It's a great use of the land."

Though it's the newest, it's not the only community garden of Oak Forest. The city also uses land at Forest View Farms.

Conway envisions that what's now one main patch of usable dirt off of 151st and Long will split off into two, with a mulch walkway down the middle. At the front of the garden, facing 151st Street, a trellis and entrance will welcome gardeners and guests.Conway said they'll try to add watering stations to the newer garden and eventually till the land from front to back each spring.  Most of the tilling now is done by the gardeners—and each spring those with green thumbs from the year before will get first dibs.

Non-residents can also rent a plot for $30.

For more information, call or stop by the .