Grow Selma now owns the property that its community garden sits on. For several months, the organization had been leasing the land from Robert Klinner, but that changed thanks to a donation from the United Way of Selma and Dallas County.

The United Way’s $20,000 donation paid for half of the property. Actually owning the land for the garden will help Grow Selma’s dreams continue to become a reality in the months ahead.

Now that they awn the property, the group will go about the process of becoming a 501c3, which will open the door for grants, donations and other funding.

The group has been active the spring, having work days seemingly every weekend and even during the week to get the garden ready for planting season.

They have also hosted groups from schools, Vacation Bible Schools, the Cahaba Center, and many, many more.

It’s great to see Grow Selma’s goal of a place to practice and teacher sustainable and healthy living springing up literally from the ground.

The United Way and its executive director Jeff Cothran should also be thanked for believing in the vision.