Gardener toils in rented soil

Photos by JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers

DIGGING IN--Mike Caulley of T.O. plants homegrown tomato seedlings in his rented patch at Conejo Recreation and Park District's Las Flores Community Garden in Thousand Oaks. His garlic plants, foreground, are shooting up and peppers, corn and onions are sprouting, aided by thorough soil cultivation and protected by critter barriers. These include underground mesh, and plastic and wood sidewalls and doors.

IN THE GREEN--An early spring artichoke plant thrives at Las Flores Community Garden. Gardeners can rent 10-by-20-foot plots for $45 per year, a good solution for yardless residents and other growers to stay in touch with the soil. Call (805) 497-7170 for more information.