HOBSON CITY, AL — What began as a simple flyer project for the Hobson City Library has grown—literally and figuratively—into an award-winning community garden making a big impact in this small town.
Sharron Thomas, Library Director for the Town of Hobson City, has helped transform the library’s outreach garden into a beacon of sustainability, education, and community care.
“The garden is part of an outreach from the library for the city,” said Thomas. “I was originally just making a flyer for it, and then I became involved in other aspects like getting grants and supplies—and it just developed from there.”
This garden isn’t just decorative. It’s packed with purpose. Planted with vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, beans, okra, and more, the garden operates on the principle of “sweat equity”—those who work in the garden are welcome to share in the harvest. And the harvest has been generous. In the past summer alone, the garden produced over 625 pounds of produce, benefiting at least 85 families, with even more benefiting through informal neighborhood distribution.
The fresh vegetables are available to all at no cost, and the initiative has especially focused on supporting Hobson City’s seniors and homebound residents. “Sometimes I just pop the trunk and tell people to grab what they need,” said Thomas, recalling how produce deliveries became part of her daily life.
The garden has also received special recognition for its excellence. Submitted by the Calhoun County Master Gardeners to a state-level competition, the Hobson City Community Garden stood out among entries from all 67 Alabama counties. It was awarded the Search for Excellence honor—a surprise to Thomas, who humbly noted, “I just thought we were doing a little project.”
Now, the project has reached new heights. The Hobson City Community Garden has been submitted to an internationalcompetition involving the United States, Canada, and South Korea.
This summer’s planting season officially kicked off just yesterday, and with it, new goals. “We planted beans, tomatoes, peppers, and we still have more to go—including companion plants like basil and marigolds, which are natural insect repellents,” said Thomas, who continues to learn through resources like the Calhoun County Extension Office.
Garden days are scheduled on Tuesdays starting at 7 a.m.—sometimes earlier, depending on the weather. More volunteer days are in the works to accommodate people with different schedules.
The garden also plans to expand with in-ground planting this year. While okra was grown in raised beds last year, this year’s plans include both okra and corn planted directly in the soil, adding to the community’s agricultural diversity.
For those interested in getting involved—whether through volunteering or donations—Thomas encourages stopping by the Hobson City Library or calling 256-831-7069. “We’re open to anyone who wants to help, whether they’re from Hobson City or outside,” she said.
Thomas hopes the garden’s story inspires others. “You never know who’s watching or who’s being inspired. We just want to help people realize—we need gardens. That’s how we get our food. Also we really want to stress a big thank you to Calhoun County Master Gardners for all their help.”
With its roots in community, generosity, and learning, the Hobson City Library Garden is not only growing produce—it’s growing pride, purpose, and promise for the future.
