The program for Tuesday’s Chilton County Master Gardener Meeting centered on the creation and benefits of a “keyhole” garden.

That style of gardening was explained to the crowd of Master Gardeners by the club’s vice president Sondra Henley, who also manages the club’s demo garden.

“We like to educate the public, and that’s what our demonstration garden is for,” Association President Pat Farmer said.

Since 2013, Henley has been taking the necessary steps to create a “keyhole” garden at that site, which is located near the Chilton County Research and Extension Center.

“It’s finally here,” Henley said.

After years of planning, her hard work is finally approaching its end with the actual construction of the project about to begin. She hopes to have the garden complete by Aug. 6.

According to Henley, a “keyhole” garden is typically smaller in size and encompasses a circle that is raised about waist high.

What makes it unique is a v-shaped cutout that allows for a gardener to enter the circle and tend to any point of the garden.

“They are great for handicapped individuals that wish to continue gardening,” Henley said.

A 12-inch compost bucket sits in the center of the garden to help in the tending of the garden.

Henley asked for help from those in attendance by saving up certain disposable garbage that can be useful as compost.

“I’ll take whatever they can give me because I have a freezer to store it in,” Henley said.

However, certain items such as bones that are not completely cleaned, peach pits and greasy foods are not permitted.

Fellow master gardeners were also asked to help by volunteering their time with the construction of the demo garden project.

“Most people are very generous, and Chilton County has been very generous in the past with both donations and time,” Henley said.