The Victory Garden at the Fairfield Hills Campus may have been bare from a dormant winter, but that did not dissuade eager new and returning gardeners from gathering at the site to learn about the upcoming planting season at an informational meeting on April 14.For more information about The Victory Garden, visit newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation/pages/victory-garden.

"This is an amazing turnout," Gail Friedman of The Victory Garden Committee said as she looked out to everyone around her at the garden. "Thank you all for coming. We are so pleased to have you."

With the retirement of The Victory Garden founder and manager Harvey Pessin this year, Ms Friedman explained that The Victory Garden Committee will be overseeing the operations this season.

In addition to Ms Friedman, the committee consists of fellow Master Gardener Pamela Wilson, as well as experienced gardeners AnneMarie Roller and Barbara Richardson.

The garden, which was established in 2011, will continue to be run by volunteers and donate all its produce to three local organizations: FAITH Food Pantry, 46 Church Hill Road; Nunnawauk Meadows, 3 Nunnawauk Meadows; and Social Services, 3 Main Street.

Ms Friedman said that this year there was such an outpouring of people interested in helping with the garden that despite all the rows being assigned, there will be general volunteers available to help whenever needed.

In cases where volunteers go on vacation and cannot pick the produce from their row to donate, there will also be a flag system to notify fellow gardeners that their row needs tending.

"If you put a pink flag in front of your row, it means you can't harvest," Ms Wilson explained. "Anyone that's part of the garden can harvest for them, so that the produce doesn't go to waste, and donate it. When you're back, take the pink flag up and put it back."

Also available are "row numbers" that will be put in the ground in front of each row. The posts are now made from aluminum, so they won't rust or rot like the previous signs, and they have a number hole punched on it. Ms Wilson encouraged people to also make a personalized sign to identify their row and place it behind the numbered sign.

During the meeting, new members were given a tour of the property and a demonstration on how to access the water hose. She informed everyone that even though the water will not be on until May 1, those who wish to begin planting can do so, but must bring their own water for the time being.

Those interested in visiting The Victory Garden, located off of Mile Hill South, are invited to attend the third annual Garden Party on Sunday, May 20, from 1 to 3 pm. The free event through Parks & Recreation is for all ages to learn tips and tricks for gardening.

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