By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@thecitizennews.com

Fayette will be getting a victory garden of sorts.

County commissioners have approved a request from the County Extension Service and Master Gardeners to establish a vegetable garden behind the Hollingsworth House, next to the County Administrative Complex.

But that's only temporary, said Sheldon Hammond, county extension agent.

Long-term, the gardeners hope to establish a complete demonstration garden, including vegetables and flowers, he said.

“This is a unique opportunity to provide a great educational asset to Fayette County,” Hammond said in a letter to commissioners.

The garden, he said, could be used to teach programs, classes and workshops and use the garden for groups such as homeowners, school classrooms, after-school programs and Master Gardener education programs, plus updates for professional gardeners.

But the grassy area behind the Hollingsworth House is not the best place for a permanent teaching garden, said county manager Billy Beckett. The county might need that property for other uses in the future.

“I suggest we identify an area in the judicial complex area,” he said.

Commissioners agreed, but approved a vegetables-only garden behind the Hollingsworth House as a temporary measure, to be plowed under and planted with grass each fall until a more permanent site can be found.

Produce from the garden will be given to at-risk youths, the elderly and needy, said Hammond.