We're growing seven types of fruit trees and a variety of vegetables. We've reached the point where we're fulfilling the city's original mission for the garden, to create a farm-to-market enterprise operation. Because we already had Happy Hour Marketplace in operation, we had a ready market for the produce. 

We began managing the garden, at 317 Virgnia Ave. in October with the goal of addressing the "food desert" of the east side, where there are no fresh food markets. 

We've started a series of food workshops to encourage growing your own. From seeds to seedlings, a hands-on demonstration in cultivating seeds for planting featuring farmer and former nursery owner Clarke Keller will be held at Happy Hour Gardens 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 941-258-4920. Free samples. Free and open to the public.

We have a ways to go, but our volunteers give us hope that we'll soon be producing even more healthy food for the community.