Under the guidance of the Master Gardeners of Stark County and the Stark County Farm Bureau, non-violent inmates at the Stark County jail planted a garden to grow vegetables. The produce was harvested and delivered to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, where it was used in meals prepared for their clients.

The Learning Gardens consist of Phenology, Butterfly and Rain gardens. All gardens seem to have survived the winter well. Several plants in the Phenology garden have been monitored and the appropriate information forwarded to Columbus.

Plans for this year include mulching and purchasing of annuals for color. We will also be participating in the Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz as well as forwarding information on monarch activity as our butterfly garden has been designated as a Monarch Watch Waystation.

This project involves the design, installation, and maintenance of plants in the Entrance Garden of the Stark County Fairgrounds. Master Gardener and Ohio 4-H volunteers guide the activities of Clover Bud and 4-H children that help maintain the garden. The children are provided educational programs and hands-on gardening experience on a regular basis.