By Sue Simonich

Staff at community food banks in Maple Valley and Auburn were pleasantly surprised with the increased volume of summer and fall produce donated by the Soos Creek Botanical Garden.

In the second year of the project, Trish Bottorff and her hearty group of volunteers planned and executed the plot, raising organically grown produce throughout the summer months.

At the close of the 2013 growing season, the SCBG vegetable garden provided nearly 950 pounds of produce. Judicious use of raised beds, proper cultivation techniques and plenty of pride in their work, helped volunteers reach their goals.

Plans are already in the works for next year, when they will try their hand at growing kiwis.

SCBG’s 22-acre display garden is a relatively new attraction in southeast King County, located a short drive from Maple Valley and Covington. Opening in July of 2011, an enthusiastic group of volunteers have mounted many on-site activities geared toward community service and education.

SCBG is always looking for new hands and talent to help with various projects throughout the garden. The nonprofit is a great place for volunteers to learn new techniques, make friends and give back to the community.

The garden closed in late November, but will reopen in March.

Volunteers work behind the scenes throughout the year. Watch for the spring plant sale slated for the end of May or early June.

Soos Creek Botanical Garden, at 29308 132nd Avenue S.E. on Lea Hill in Auburn, is dedicated to promoting the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of plants and the natural world along with the community’s local history through education, research and stewardship.

For more information on programs and volunteering, visit sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org or Facebook.