The early bird has already caught the worm at the Knowlton community organic gardens.

Town of Brome Lake installation co-ordinator Nicolas Boisvert was still getting confirmation in early April from those who tilled the raised beds in its debut season last year. But he believes all 30 plots are spoken for. “Faint hope remains for those who would like to participate” he said, “though we already have a short waiting list. Still, we plan on adding more beds, space permitting.”

The pilot project was a huge success. Of the 30, 8 x 4 foot beds located deep in the decontaminated site of the former municipal garage on Mt. Echo Rd, two are wheelchair accessible and two are dedicated to supplying the food bank.

The day-to-day operation of the gardens falls to a local committee of volunteers. But the success of the project in 2017 depends on elements out of their control. The veggie horn of plenty calls for the proper balance of sun, heat, and more rain than fell last summer.