Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Residents enjoying free turnip greens

An old, dilapidated, hazardous house stood at the corners of Sycamore and Dean streets in Gurdon a few months ago, but the lot has now been turned into something that will benefit everyone in the community  a turnip green patch.

The City of Gurdon has been clearing dilapidated residential structures for several months, and with the now empty lots adding up, Mayor Clayton Franklin decided to use some of the space for the public good. At first, Franklin had chosen two spots to plant community turnip green patches, but the city was only able to get permission from one land owner.

Franklin said he decided to plant turnip greens because they require very little attention once the seed is in the ground. The city picked up the cost of the seed and fertilizer which cost about $150, he said.

Anybody in Gurdon who wants turnip greens can come get them, Franklin said. Theres plenty out there.

Gurdon Recorder/Treasurer Tambra Childres said she has seen several people at the patch carrying out several bags each, but despite the heavy picking, there has not been a dent put in the patch.

Hattie Lock, owner of the land where the turnip greens are planted, said shes excited about the citys efforts.

I though it was a very good idea, she said. It shows that the city is really helping out the community.

Since the greens began coming up, Lock said she has received several calls from residents who live near the patch, and she said they have all been pleased with the ability to get the fresh greens for free.

I drove by there the other morning, and there were two ladies out there picking. Theyre really looking pretty, she said.

Although Lock has personally gotten any of the fresh greens, she said she intends to do so before they are all gone.

Lock said she bought the property through a delinquent tax sale three years ago, and the property was never occupied during her ownership.