Supporters Foresee Great Things For Decatur's Kitchen Garden

Before he snipped the ceremonial ribbon for , Mayor Bill Floyd compared the moment to that exciting day in the early 1990s when it was announced Atlanta would host the 1996 Olympic Games.

"Today I have the same feeling," Floyd said. "The future is ours."

Supporters say the garden has potential to expand the "green" culture that Decatur officially embraces.

It could teach children about the value of locally grown food, provide healthy food and money for lower-income people and help integrate refugees into American society.

Refugee farmers and local residents will grow vegetables for themselves and commercial markets on about two acres at the .

The City of Decatur and the provided funds. The Oakhurst Community Garden will supply gardening expertise. Edible Yard and Garden is designing the garden. The , an offshoot of , pulled the groups together.

About 50 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Children's Home. Rain interrupted the proceedings for about 20 minutes, causing attendees to scurry inside a shed. When the shower passed, the ribbon was cut.

A community work day is scheduled for April 21 at the garden.