Carpentersville community garden growing by 'leaps and bounds'

Every two to three days, Sarah Schultz can be found tending to her plants and vegetables at her lot in the Carpentersville community garden.

Planting a home garden is nearly impossible for Schultz, who lives in a Carpentersville townhouse. But she and her fiance, Jesse DeVries, had an increasing interest in growing their own herbs and vegetables for cooking.

Having heard of the success of the community gardens, Schultz and DeVries purchased one of the lots for the first time this year.

"I'm really grateful to live in a village where they let us do this when we don't have the opportunity (at home)," Schultz said.

The community garden, located next to Carpentersville Village Hall, 1200 L W Besinger Drive, is filling up, with only nine of the 54 community garden lots still available as of Wednesday, said Marc Huber, community development director.

Residents can purchase 20-by-10-foot lots for $10 per season. Water is provided by the village and is easily accessible for any lot in the garden, Schultz said.

Village President Ed Ritter said the program has grown "leaps and bounds" since it began more than two years ago.

Almost every gardener who had a lot last year has returned, Huber said, and more residents continue to show interest. Based on popularity, the village added 10 lots this year and will consider further expansion for the next planting season, he said.

"It's been a nice amenity for sure," Huber said. "Everybody's happy with it. They keep coming back."