A proposed community garden can only grow with the support of the area’s green thumbs and other hopeful gardeners.

This is a positive concept that can help bring people closer together and provide something that is missing here. It works in many communities across the country but that won’t happen without community buy-in and participation.

The partnership between Ironton In Bloom, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital’s Healthy Community Initiatives, the Ironton Port Authority, Ironton- Lawrence County Community Action Organization, as well as others, will be crucial as these organizations have a strong track record of making a difference.

Work will begin in earnest next month. Residents will also get a chance to learn more about it and see if it is something that they want to participate in.

Detailed information and applications will be available at a Community Gardens Seminar Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Ohio University Southern.

Many people especially those who used to live in more rural parts of the county but have had to relocate to the city, would like to have a garden but simply don’t have the space or the impetus to get started.

Community gardens take these factors out of play as people can purchase designated spaces that are essentially ready to go. Then it is just a matter of taking care of the crop and harvesting it when ready.

This garden can truly thrive if everyone involved offers the “water” of support.