By late spring of 2011 the idea of a community garden in Historic Hobson City was well on its way however , only one key ingredient that was missing before full implementation could be accomplished , the service of a Horticulturalist trained in Plastic-culture was required . Unbeknownst to all of the planners of this garden , such a person was not only available , but was trained many years prior by one of the great sons of Hobson City the late Dr . Booker Tillman Whatley Professor Emeritus .
A chance encounter at Mr . Gene Thornton ’ s ‘ Sneaky Crow Farm ” in Roanoke AL with Mr . Eddie May and Elijah Moore , and a person who had never heard or knew about Hobson City , Mr . Victor A . Khan , completed the circle .
Participation in the garden was a resounding success where a total of 2,500 lbs of fresh vegetables ranging from corn , squash , peppers , tomatoes , peas , green beans , tomatoes , sweet and hot peppers , watermelons , okra and peanuts , were produced during the summer planting . Fall collards and turnips were also planted , and were available for the thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season .
The fifteen children and ten adults who participated presented the first harvest to area churches in the community giving thanks to the Lord for a fruitful and bountiful harvest . The rest of the summer vegetables were distributed to other churches , senior citizen Center , and to those who were home bound . Several children from the community participated weekly in the garden activities and learned hands on how plants grow .
Late in the planting season a suitable name for the community garden was debated on and finally the name W . A . S Youth Community Garden Club of Hobson City was selected . In selecting a name a concerted effort was made to honor Dr . Booker T . Whatley Professor Emeritus Tuskegee University , Dr . Atkins late Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine Tuskegee University and Dr . Satcher M . D former Surgeon General of the United States of America . These are all beloved sons of Historic Hobson City who had started from humble beginnings and attainted both national and international success through education , hard work and devotion to their professions . This goes to prove that “ it is not important from where you come from but where you are going ”
Future plans include repeating the successful season of 2011 which would include the addition of a Hoop House to facilitate planting during the winter months , and the establishment of a muscadine vineyard . Eventually , the long term plan includes the creation of an Agricultural Center which will focus on how community gardens can solve the problem of “ food deserts ” which currently exists in many of our urban centers . Future plans include repeating the successful season of 2011 which would include the addition of a Hoop House to facilitate planting during the winter months , and the establishment of a muscadine vineyard . Eventually , the long term plan includes the creation of an Agricultural Center which will focus on how community gardens can solve the problem of “ food deserts ” which currently exists in many of our urban centers .
MAYOR ALBERTA MCCRORY , W . A . S . PRESIDENT- ELIJAH MOORE , COOSA VALLEY RC & D EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- EDDIE MAY AND YOUTH FROM THE GARDEN DELIVERS PRODUCE TO SENIOR CITIZENS AT THE SENIOR CENTER IN HOBSON CITY . STATE REPRESENTATIVE DR BARBARA BOYD , A SPONSOR OF THE GARDEN IS ALSO IN ATTENDANCE .
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