Sarnia's Salvation Army will have a fruitful spring with the addition of a large community garden.
Capt. Brad Webster said the organization recently applied for an internal grant from the Salvation Army after an assessment identified a gap in available local produce.
"We didn't want a small community garden, we wanted to go on the larger side, so this community garden is going to have 24 various fruit trees, it's going to have - I believe 12 planter boxes," Webster said. It's [also] going to have a central prayer station in the middle of the garden."
Sipkens Nurseries was contracted for the project. Webster said the trees will be planted and concrete planter boxes will be installed this fall.
"Then in early spring, we are going to start planting the bushes and everbearing strawberries, which will produce right off the bush the year that they're planted," he said.
Webster said the garden is intended to support the local Salvation Army food bank and is also for anyone passing by the area in need of a snack.
"So if you're walking along and you need an apple, or a pear, or a plum, or some cherries off of the cherry tree, you're more than welcome to come onto the property," Webster said. "Pick what you need and take it with you."
The garden will also be fully accessible for anyone who uses a mobility device.
The community garden will be located next to the Salvation Army's building at 970 Confederation St.