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Jul 13, 2011 | Luke Blount

Calvary, Richmond, Wins a Fruit Orchard

Communities Take RootDreyers Fruit Bars announced at the beginning of July that Calvary, Richmond won a fruit orchard through an online voting contest at www.communitiestakeroot.com.

 

In April, Calvary entered the contest, which is awarding five fruit orchards each month over the summer, a total of 20 orchards. Calvary was chosen as one of the 100 finalists. After May totals were counted, Calvary was sixth in voting, moving them up to first to start June. By the end of the month Calvary had secured a new orchard.

 

"We're very excited. This was a total community effort," said Jason Kniss, chairman of the garden advisory board. "We beat out other places with a lot more people."

 

Specialists provided by Dreyer's will arrive soon to assess what kind of trees will grow best in the climate. According to Kniss, this climate probably most suited for citrus. 

 

"We had to submit plans for the orchard that detailed what it may look like as part of the grant application," he said.

 

The orchard will consist of 15 trees, and will add to Calvary's already productive community garden. Calvary’s gardeners raised more than 1500 pounds of fresh produce last year, most of which was donated to local food pantries and the women’s center. 

 

“Fruit trees will add beauty, interest and wonderful food to our garden,” said Anne Ondrusek, who helped plan the garden. Ondrusek hopes the fruit orchard will be a huge boost to the gardens and shine a light on the ministry of Calvary.

 

For more information, contact Ondrusek at  .