Community Garden Blooms In Utica

The first phase of a grant funded project designed to transform vacant lots into gardens and green space has produced a 100-bed community garden at the corner of Park Avenue and Elm Street in Utica.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced funding for the two-year program last fall.

So far, tomatoes, peppers, squash, onions, cauliflower and greens have been planted.

There is also a children's gardening area supported by Cornell Cooperative Extension which offers children from the Thea Bowman House the chance to plant their own garden section.