A group of gardeners and organic agriculture enthusiasts has started an agriculture club in New Port Richey called the East Madison Growers.

The club already boasts a number of member gardens, including an official community garden recognized by the City of New Port Richey along Illinois Avenue. The group plans to continue expanding the gardens in an effort to beautify the East Madison area. A new community garden tended by the group will begin this weekend at a property on the corner of Jackson St and Montana Ave. New gardens in the area are planned for vacant lots located around the neighborhood.

The club also recently sponsored a “Loquat Walking Tour” which generated significant interest among city residents as well as some non-residents. More than 30 existing, but previously ignored or neglected loquat trees were identified in a very small area of the neighborhood. The walk was in anticipation of New Port Richey’s annual Loquat Festival which will be held on April 4, 2015.

Membership in the club is a small annual contribution of $5 to group projects, and those looking to get involved in the project can do so via the group’s website at EastMadison.org.