'Wikipedia Of A Park' in Suwanee Gets More Changes

Updated Sept. 27, 2011

A scarecrow contest and a remodeled home for the resident chickens are among the changes for Harvest Farm, Suwanee's popular community garden that also is the state's largest.

It's a "wikipedia of a park," City Manager Marty Allen said. "We are adding in ways that are fantastic."

A recent addition is the completion of a new chicken coop for Rosemary and Sweet Pea, the park's resident hens. They had been relocated to a residence while city workers redid their coop. No word yet as to when the hens will resume occupation of the coop.

Also, a scarecrow contest is planned for the park from Oct. 1-21, according to city officials. This is open to members of the community as well as plot-holders. Harvest Farm gardeners may place their scarecrows in their plots any time from Oct. 1-21, while community members are invited to line their scarecrows up along the inside of the garden’s perimeter split-rail fence, according to a city news release. For additional information, contact Kim Thompson at kimdthompson@bellsouth.net or 678/644-5793.

This is in addition to the amphitheater at the park that was constructed in 2010.

Other items about the park include:

• Applications for plots at the community garden next year may now be downloaded, according to the city's website. The deadline for current gardeners who wish to apply for the 2012 season is Monday, Sept. 26; applications from new gardeners will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at White Street Park. Fees range from $50-$100, depending upon the size of the plot requested and whether or not the applicant is a City of Suwanee resident. City of Suwanee property owners and residents receive priority.
• A Fridays at the Farm fund-raiser raised $660 in August.
• Work days at the garden are held the last Saturday of every month.
• Gardening classes also are held regularly at the park, and people who are not plot-holders at the park can attend.
• Boy Scouts have built a fire pit at the park.