WOODLAND – The seeds, or veggies in this case, are planted.

On Tuesday, the Woodland Children’s Community Garden sprung to life with help from volunteers…and one determined young man whose goal is to make ketchup.

The project, initiated by Barbara and Bob Gosney, is intended to teach children about gardening, vegetables and nature. Children ages 6-10 who live within the corporate limits of town are encouraged to participate in the garden located near the entrance of the Woodland Cemetery on land owned by the Cedar Grove Friends Meetinghouse. The group meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Before the hard work of working the dirt in the four garden beds began, Barbara Gosney shared a piece of the town’s history. She noted the old spring nearby once provided water to horses when people would come to church.

She also said the land was originally owned by the Outlands, a Dutch family, who moved to the area from Isle of Wight.

Among the vegetables planted in the Children’s Community Garden are tomatoes, zucchini, okra and peppers. Herbs were also planted, including basil and parsley.

Meredyth Corey brought her 9-year-old son, Aidan, to participate in the garden.

“It’s a really neat idea,” said Meredyth Corey. “I’m really hoping he will learn new things. It will be nice for him to come over here and check on it.”

Aidan had one idea in mind when he decided to help out in the garden.

“I wanted to grow tomatoes and make some ketchup,” he said. Among the group of volunteers, 13-year-old J’Khari Jones came with his papa Sam Golson. Jones has helped his mother in the past with her garden and he is actively involved with Northampton 4-H.

“I like helping people,” he said about his participation in the project.

For more information about the Children’s Community Garden, contact Barbara Gosney at 587-2571.