Community Garden Offers Blooms, Produce And Educational Opportunties In Havasu

By Janet Cruz

Sponsored By Anderson Toyota

Who knew that Lake Havasu City has a community garden? Not too far from Smoketree and Moyo Drive, there is The Les Gaslt Community Garden, featuring vegetables and greens planted on custom-made garden beds.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The garden was created by New Horizons Center for people of all abilities. New Horizons is an organization which provides services for people with disabilities since 1974 In Lake Havasu City. Individuals who participate in the program are involved in field trips to local events, and exposed to many social activities while learning life skills such as meal preparation, learning time, financial Skills and social skills. The garden is especially that one place patrons can be social and acquire gardening skills and volunteer as well.

Bree Daughtry places a salsa sign into one of the garden beds. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Although New Horizons started this garden, it is open to the public and it is our way to give back to our community,” this is open to everyone from the very littles to adults,” said Brooke Russell CEO, New Horizons. “The Lake Havasu Community has been so good to New Horizons so this is how we give back.” added Russell.

When one walks through the gates of the garden they will find gardening beds custom made by Master Gardner volunteers, along with bright blooming flowers. As you step in further you will also find mini tomatoes, onions, peppers and many vegetables growing. Custom-made gardening signs to mark each area and brightly colored benches complete the colorful and welcoming place.

The Les Gaslt Community Garden is located on Moyo Dr. in Lake Havasu City. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This was just a dirt lot when it started but the visionaries saw a garden with plants where people can get their hands in the soil and then have beautiful produce growing,” said Kim Hansen-Anderson Board Liaison, Lake Havasu Les Gaslt Community Garden.

The most recent project done is colored pavers adorned with rocks, glass and stone that will create a second entryway that allows for more wheel chair access for those who need it. Volunteers and patrons of New Horizons spent the day doing just that one Saturday morning.

New Horizons clients and volunteers prepare the pavers for installation in the Community Garden. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Several partners and sponsors include the Master Gardeners organization. The group helps educate individuals on plants and how to properly grow in the desert climate.

“Because of our extreme heat in our climate and weather, we are here to show the people of Lake Havasu how to grow seeds in our area,” said Sharon Gomez with Master Gardeners program.

New Horizons Community Garden Lake Havasu

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The place is also home to educational programs for those who want to learn gardening skills and also volunteer. The University of Arizona -Arizona Health Zone program, hosts Kid Gardening workshops for ages 8 through 11.

“The kids get lessons on what to plant, where our food comes from and they learn tips to grown their own gardens at home,” said Bree Daughtry with University of Arizona AZ Health Zone program.

Garden sponsors include Master Gardeners, Lowes, Vista Hermosa Landscaping, Hilltop Church, Sam Nichols Electric, Charlie and Kathy Cassens, Craig Plumming, Skinner Farms, Lowes, Deb Riva, Johnson-Manley and Anderson Toyota.

If you are looking to volunteer, take a class or learn more about gardening. Visit www.newhorizonslhc.org.

For Master Gardener meetings, you may visit their Facebook page. The group meets in the Mohave County Library the First Tuesday of the Month.

For Kid Gardening courses through University of Arizona, you may visit the New Horizons (Lake Havasu Community Garden) Facebook page. The Les Gaslt Community Garden is located at 2045 Moyo Drive.