By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Community groups create Victory Garden of Barton County
gbtribune news logo anvil app

The Barton County Conservation District announced the kick-off of a community learning garden. The proposed garden is in partnership with local Cottonwood Extension District Master Gardeners and the Barton County Historical Society.  

The proposed Victory Garden will be located west of The Lustron House exhibit at the north end of the Barton County Historical Museum property, 85 South U.S. 281. The public is invited to attend the kick-off event at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Volunteers will begin work on preparing the initial garden space so it will be ready for planting in the spring. Come for a demonstration of the layering method for preparing a new garden space, and stay for the hands-on experience.  

The Victory Garden of Barton County will provide county residents hands-on experience with starting a home vegetable garden and gaining the skills needed to ensure a bountiful harvest. 

“Across the country, there’s growing interest in local food production,” said Veronica Coons, Barton County Conservation District manager. “Rising food and fuel prices also have families looking for ways to stretch their food budget. Growing a home vegetable garden is one way people from all walks of life can take some control over their own situation.”

Together, the Barton County Conservation District and volunteers from the Extension Master Gardener program will provide instruction about soil and water conservation and related topics, seed starting, garden layout, growing and care of food plants.

The Victory Garden would not be possible without partnership from the Barton County Historical Society. The BCHS Village, located on U.S. 281 just south of the Arkansas River bridge in Great Bend, provides an ideal and easily accessible location for a garden and holding classes.

“The museum, like the conservation district and the Master Gardeners, is a resource for all residents of the county,” Coons said. “The Victory Garden theme provides a chance to highlight the history of these gardens, as well as the adjacent local history. The garden will be accessible to museum visitors, with interpretive exhibits planned.”

Beginning in the spring of 2023, three seasonal multi-week classes will focus on spring, summer and fall gardening. Classes will be free, but limited in size so all participants will have hands-on experience in the garden. In addition, one-off classes will offer the public opportunities to learn about timely garden practices.  

Produce from The Victory Garden will benefit the community through donations to county food banks. Class participants will also receive some in harvest baskets to take home and share.   

The Victory Garden is a joint project of the Barton County Conservation District, the Cottonwood Extension Master Gardeners, and the Barton County Historical Society. It is funded in part from contributions from the Barton County Conservation District and from charitable contributions. Contributions may be made to the Victory Garden Fund, a component fund of the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Make checks payable to GBCF and write Victory Garden in the memo line. The mission of The Victory Garden is to provide the individuals of Barton County the knowledge and training needed to create their own food and pollinator gardens. The vision of The Victory Garden is to encourage and support the establishing of personal gardens for sustenance and for individual food sustainability.