Vegetable gardening is booming in popularity these days as people discover the benefits – both from a health standpoint and in the pocketbook – of growing their own produce. Others dig the beauty of fresh flowers.

But some may not have the ground necessary to plant a bed of blooming annuals or rows of carrots or radishes.

That’s where the city of Enumclaw and its community garden come in.

Commonly called the pea patch, the city offers a parcel of land just north of the public library, divided into 12 foot by 10 foot plots. With spring right around the corner, plots are now up for grabs.

Those who have previously farmed a pea patch plot get priority status, but must reserve a parcel by March 10. After that, the 28 plots are made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The annual fee for a plot is $20 for city of Enumclaw residents and $25 for those residing outside the city limits. The city rototills the land at the beginning and end of each season and provides water.

Applications forms are ––available at the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services office at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

The city has a short list of rules for participants. The guidelines are available when picking up an application form.