Elks Build a Community Garden

Saturday was a good day for building a garden.

Just ask the South Orange Elks and members of the Maplewood Community Garden. The two groups are cooperating to bring a new community garden to the front lawn of the Elks Lodge on Prospect Street in South Orange — across the street from Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

The Maplewood Community Garden already has gardens in two other locations: and behind the . Irene Dunsavage has led the Community Garden's efforts, now entering its third planting season.

On Saturday, members of both groups as well as Boy Scouts from Troop 60 put their backs into building raised beds for the garden which will provide produce to local food pantries.

The garden is being funded by the monthly . The Elks Garden is a first gardening venture for the Rent Party, which raises funds for food pantries at its monthly music event at the Elks Lodge, and for Rent Party organizer Chris Dickson.