It is an odd-shaped vacant lot owned by City of Chilliwack.

The Valley Permaculture Guild and their partners are transforming it into the Vedder Village Community Garden this week.

“We are installing a Community Garden and Food Forest to create a wonderful space for growing food, supporting food security, nurturing community, promoting permaculture and low-impact rainwater management,” said Rachel Symington, president of the Valley Permaculture Guild.

The space will feature about 20 community garden plots, with fruit trees, herbs and play structures when it’s done.

The lot was considered too small to accommodate any development, and would have sat vacant otherwise.

The guild initiated the project in partnership with City of Chilliwack, Dragonlily Gardens, and Curly Kale Eatery, and it received a $4000 Grass Roots Community grant from the city to create the community gardens and play space.

Now they are asking for a little help from the community Saturday to see the garden come to fruition.

A planting event and work bee is set for Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site, adjacent the Curly Kale Eatery, at Vedder and Lark.

They are looking for native plants, berry bushes, fruit trees and more. They are also requesting donation of a rain barrel.

Donations are starting to trickle in to the garden site already.

“People love this project,” said Symington. “It’s been fantastic.”

On Saturday they’ll be building trellises and registering people interested in taking ownership of the garden plots.

“There will be activities for people of all abilities and ages, so please invite your friends and family and plan to spend the day if you are able to.”

Lunch will be provided to volunteers. RSVP to hello@valleypermacultureguild.com so they can get a count for lunch.