Our front page photo this issue calls attention to the produce drop-off points for a locally grown food-sharing initiative.

Casual and serious gardeners alike are encouraged to share their surplus backyard bounty with those in need.

Summer is drawing to a close, but there are plums on trees, tomatoes on vines and a variety of root vegetables and greens still there for harvesting. Micro climates and the shade factor play a role in when fruits and vegetables are ready for the table, but most local gardeners produce more of something than their families can eat.

The Edible Garden Project has nurtured this concept into a network of volunteers who dedicate a little of their time to ensuring fresh, healthy food reaches community members who do not have access to fresh produce.

This sharing of nutrition contributes to community health and could arguably help to reduce our health costs.

Got a garden but never used it for much besides grass and moss? The EGP will teach you basic gardening techniques. The fall is the time to be nurturing soil for next year's growing season, so now is the time to find out if you have a green thumb. There's a group gardening workshop this Saturday, and separate instruction on how to go about seed saving and storage.

Information on these workshops and how to volunteer with the group is all on the EGP website at www.ediblegardenproject.com.

A strong tree requires a large root system. This is one idea that will flourish with community support.